How do you feel about kids and video games? If you’re like many parents, you’re conflicted. You want your children and teens to have fun and enjoy the very best that tech entertainment has to offer. But you’re also concerned about hidden risks. Are the chat features in today’s games safe? What about exposure to extreme violence and pornographic content? How likely is it for a child to become addicted to video games?
We’re parents, we get it. We’ve asked all these questions (and more!). That’s why we sat down this week with Nadja Strieter, Programs Director at Game Quitters—an organization devoted to helping gamers (and their loved ones) understand and overcome gaming addiction. Nadja’s approach is practical and down-to-earth. She’s able to cut through controversy, go to the facts, and give us sound advice.
Nadja comes to this conversation as a fully licensed psychotherapist, parent coach, and mother of three children. Her expertise is in treating adolescents and adults who struggle with video game addiction, and other technology-based problematic behaviors.
Addicted to video games
In this episode, we take a close look at the reward psychology baked into video games. We also consider the impact of mobile devices and the ability to play games anywhere at any time. Plus, advice on how to react if you are concerned about a child’s behavior.
What to expect in this episode:
- The law of diminishing returns. It’s true! Video games are not entirely without benefit. But after a certain amount of play there is an inevitable opportunity cost. Learn why this is and how to help kids build a healthy relationship with gaming.
- Could my child be addicted to video games? Nadja offers 3 simple tests parents can try to help determine if gaming has become problematic for their child. But she cautions we could miss other serious underlying issues if we take an alarmist approach.
- Boundaries, balance, and gaming as a family activity. Discover ways to connect with your child at their level. Use collaboration to reduce power struggles around video games. Do expect some pushback as normal.
- Sexual content in video games is a reality. Parents often underestimate the risk of children’s exposure to pornography via video games and video game constoles. Listen to learn more about Nadja’s “amnesty policy” to inspire open conversation and safer screen habits in your home.
Episode challenge
Nadja challenges everyone, parents, children and teens alike, to limit themselves to using only one device at a time. At first this may sound like one of our easier challenges but on second thought, wow, this is really going to test our dependence on tech. Try it for a week. Tell us how it goes. We definitely want to hear from you.
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More about today’s guest
Nadja Streiter, LMSW is a psychotherapist and parent coach based in Westport, CT. She has specific expertise in treating adolescents and adults who struggle with Video Game Addiction, and other technology based problematic behaviors, as well as co-occurring disorders. Ms. Streiter is a frequent speaker on this topic and also serves as Programs Director at Game Quitters, where she co-created the parent program, RECLAIM. Beyond providing treatment, Ms. Streiter, a mother of three children who grew up during the rapid rise of digital technology, is extremely passionate about the societal implications of our increasing interaction and dependence on technology. She is a member of the Digital Wellness Collective, the National Association of Social Workers and is an active participant in numerous activist groups oriented towards the development of ethical and humane technology. Ms. Streiter is also a Certified School Social Worker in the state of Connecticut.
Links/Resources
GameQuitters.com/reclaim Is Your Gamer Playing Too Much? Discover a step-by-step program to reclaim your loved one from gaming even if they are in denial and you don’t know where to start.
Ep. #2-47, Dear Savvy: What do I do if my child is gaming all night? Discover how to create healthy boundaries and maintain your relationship!
*Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means, at no additional cost to you, Parents Aware/Media Savvy Moms receives a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thanks for helping to support us in our mission to protect families from the harms of pornography.
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