In 2017, Epic Games took the gaming world by storm when it introduced Fortnite Battle Royal. If you’ve recently read a blog by a Tech expert or watched a female speaker discussing how this addictive game has worried parents from the world over -- you’re not alone.
By June of 2018, the free online video game has already racked up over 200 million users across the globe. Featuring up to a hundred players, this game can be played alone, in duo, or in a group of up to four members. The goal is to survive (read: be the last player or group live) by conquering and killing other players.
Getting Hooked to Fortnite
If you’re a parent who’s not familiar with video games, what you’ve read above might sound too violent, right? But contrary to the blood-filled and gory graphics present in other battle-themed games, Fortnite’s are bright and colorful -- making it all the more enticing for the youngsters.
But just the same, despite the claims of gaming aficionados about it being a "social experience" that fosters teamwork and coordination, Fortnite can still get players "addicted". From their academic performance to social behavior, playing such game -- and getting hooked to it -- can indeed be very detrimental to a child’s everyday life.
Recognizing Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction has been a hot topic among today’s pool of tech expert and female speaker.
In September 2018, the World Health Organization has officially recognized the gaming disorder as a diseased.
The WHO defines it as a gaming disorder marked by lack of control over gaming, gaming as a higher priority compared to other activities, and continued interest in gaming despite noticeable negative consequences.
According to the group, the severity of the disorder’s effect in one’s well-being should be evident for at least one year before it can be properly diagnosed.
Battling Gaming Disorder
If you talk with a tech expert or a female speaker, you’d be surprised to know how many parents commit mistakes when it comes to disciplining their kids who’ve been glued to the screen, playing games like Fortnite for hours and hours. Instead of depriving them of their gadgets or reprimanding how gaming is such a waste of time, try these methods instead:
Don’t tell your child to stop cold turkey. Imposing a no-gaming policy to your child is a no-no. Doing this will prompt him or her to just play more often. What you can do is to limit the hours he or she spends playing.
Encourage your child to play games with physical activity. Introduce other games that require physical activity and enhance social skills. It can be a virtual reality-powered game or a more intense and a physical one like basketball.
Trace if there are any underlying issues behind your child’s game addiction. Know if there are other reasons why your child won’t stop playing video games. Is he or she being bullied at school, or does he or she feels like you as a parent don’t have time to play with him or her? It will go a long way if you resolve such issues first.
Tech expert and female speaker Katie Linendoll covers everything technology, especially those that affects our daily lives. Check out her blog today!
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