Parenting in the Digital Age Podcast by Jo Reynolds from ExplosiveLearning.Org

The "Parenting in the Digital Age" podcast is a show that provides guidance and support for parents raising children in today's technology-driven world. In this episode, we discuss the issue of video game addiction and how to prevent it. The host covers various signs of addiction, such as playing all the time, lying about screen time, and neglecting responsibilities. They also provide solutions such as setting time limits, limiting screen time, and encouraging children to engage in other activities. The podcast also delves into the reasons why children might become addicted to video games and the dangers of too much screen time. The goal is to empower parents with the knowledge and tools to help their children maintain a healthy balance with technology.

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Welcome to the Parenting in the Digital Age podcast by me, Jo Reynolds from Explosive Learning, where we discuss the challenges and solutions for raising children in today's technology-driven world.

(00:05):
Today, we're going to talk about video-game addiction and how to prevent it.As a parent, there's nothing you want more than to see your child happy and healthy. And there's nothing more heart breaking than seeing them suffer from addiction.
So, what are some signs that your child may be addicted to video games?• Are they playing games all the time? • Are they lying about how much time they're spending on the computer or console? • Are they not doing homework and other responsibilities at home or school because of gaming?
So, now that we know some of the signs of video game addiction, what can we do to prevent it?• First, set time limits. • Limit screen time. • Set rules for when video games can be played. • Limit the number of games they can play at once.
Why do children get addicted to video games?It's important to understand why children get addicted to video games. Video games are very addictive and can be a good way to interact with other people, learn new skills, relax and have fun, or even escape reality.
How to encourage your child to play outside?So, how can we encourage our children to play outside instead of spending all their time inside playing video games? • Get them involved in sports. • Take a walk or a bike ride. • Go hiking. • Visit the park, beach, fairground or zoo with your kids.

(00:30):
What are the dangers of too much screen time?And finally, let's talk about the dangers of too much screen time. • Their Health: A 2018 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that overuse of electronic devices can lead to health issues such as obesity, back pain and poor sleep quality. • Their Eyesight: A 2018 report from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) warned that children who spend too much time looking at screens are at risk of developing myopia.
What are the dangers of too much screen time?� Social skills: According to WebMD, some studies have shown that kids who spend more time playing video games tend not only have fewer friends but also feel more isolated from their peers than those who don't play video games as much because they prefer interacting face-to-face.
And that's it for today's episode of "Parenting in the Digital Age." Remember, as a parent, it's important to be aware of the signs of video game addiction and take steps to prevent it. Encourage your child to spend time outside and engage in other activities, and limit their screen time to maintain a healthy balance. Thank you for tuning in, and we'll see you next time.