The dangers of violent video games for children: warnings and solutions for digital addiction
In light of the rapid digital revolution that has transformed daily life, electronic devices have become an integral part of our reality. However, this technological integration carries serious risks for children. Dr. Mohammed Ijaz Bracha, a consultant psychiatrist, has sounded the alarm regarding a growing phenomenon: children's excessive attachment to electronic games, particularly combat games. In statements to the newspaper "Al-Youm," he emphasized that the issue has gone beyond mere entertainment and is approaching the stage of "behavioral addiction," which threatens children's psychological and physical well-being.
The evolution of the gaming industry: from simple entertainment to digital obsession
To understand the dimensions of this crisis, it's essential to examine the historical context of the gaming industry's development. While games in past decades relied on simple mechanics and two-dimensional graphics aimed at fleeting entertainment, today they have transformed into a massive industry dependent on hyperrealism and artificial intelligence. Modern combat games are designed with sophisticated algorithms that target the brain's reward system, continuously stimulating the release of dopamine. This explains the difficulty children face in disconnecting from screens and creates a state of psychological dependence remarkably similar to the effects of addictive substances.
Addiction triggers and their impact on behavior
Dr. Brasha explained that this unhealthy attachment stems from a combination of technological and psychological factors. Modern applications use carefully crafted visual elements and sound effects to capture a child's attention, coupled with a lack of alternative physical activities and parental preoccupation. The consultant warned that prolonged immersion in these virtual worlds erodes social skills, as children replace real-life human interaction with isolation. This weakens their ability to build genuine relationships and leads to identity confusion as they adopt violent virtual personas.
Health and educational risks: a hefty price to pay
The repercussions are not limited to the psychological aspect; they extend to tangible educational and physical harm. Dr. Prasha pointed out that digital addiction causes attention deficit and memory impairment, negatively impacting academic performance and reading skills. Physically, prolonged screen time leads to dry eyes, back and neck pain, obesity, and sleep disorders. As for violent video games, they sow the seeds of aggression in children, as their subconscious minds associate violence with achievement and psychological satisfaction.
The global and societal dimension of the crisis
This issue transcends local boundaries to become a global concern, with the World Health Organization classifying "gaming disorder" as a mental health condition requiring treatment. On a societal level, the continuation of this phenomenon threatens to create a generation lacking in interpersonal communication skills and emotional intelligence—essential skills for the future job market and for maintaining a cohesive social fabric.
The “Digital Quarantine” Strategy: A Roadmap for a Solution
As a practical solution to this dilemma, Dr. Pracha proposed implementing what he called “digital quarantine” within homes. This strategy involves completely prohibiting the use of devices before bedtime and during meals to strengthen family bonding, while also setting strict usage limits appropriate to the child's age. He emphasized the role of parents as positive role models in moderating technology use, and called on schools and educational institutions to implement awareness programs and physical activities that revitalize students, ensuring a healthy and balanced upbringing environment.
