New technologies, why a child becomes addicted
Smartphones and other technologies have become an indispensable part of the daily life of many people. A window that opens to individuals the vast world that is internet and where you can access a lot of information. At the same time, these devices also have a playful nature that often ends abusing the new generations.
An abuse that can end in a addiction to new technologies. At this point, it is necessary to ask whether there is anything that can be done to prevent this dependence. Are there cases in which young people are predisposed to fall into these situations? From the Dianova Association a series of points are explained in which it can be considered that there is a risk factor.
The child's environment
Not all people have the same characteristics. Some are more inclined to fall into addictions in new technologies than others and in the case of children risk factor's they are related to the environment where they are developed. Here are some of them:
- Relatives. In the family, primary socialization occurs where the child internalizes patterns of behavior that will be considered 'socially accepted'. If the child sees that new technologies are being abused in this context, he will think that this behavior is correct and he will imitate it.
- Social. New technologies allow a new way of socializing from home or anywhere. With these devices a circle is created that allows conversations at any time of the day and not answering can make you feel that you have left this circle.
The personality of the child
In addition to the environment, the child's own personal characteristics can make them more prone to the development of addictions as in this case the personality of the same. These variables play an important role in precipitating these dependencies and can make an individual more vulnerable to the influence of these devices on the child.
Some examples are the impulsiveness, that make the child react to any stimulus of the mobile and make him want to answer quickly. A lower self-esteem can also cause the child to fall into these situations by seeking personal acceptance through this circle created through the internet and an inability to solve this problem in their day to day.
Prevention from the family
The family is the basic social structure and in it the most important values that the child will internalize throughout his life are provided. It is also a very important support for the child to gain confidence and self-esteem, as well as learning the attitudes that they will later execute. In this sense, this nucleus becomes a very important source of prevention of these addictions.
Know how to teach good values and maintain a open communication with children is a good way to prevent the addiction of new technologies. Parents assume the responsibility of warning their children of the possible risks of abusing these devices and ensuring that they make good use of these terminals. To do this, it will be necessary to make clear some rules of use and to lead by example.
Self-esteem should also be encouraged in children to avoid that the lack of trust in them make them fall into these addictions looking for friendships and personal fulfillment. At the same time you should encourage to de-virtualize your relationships and not converse through a screen, but stay in person and play or enjoy other activities with your friends.
Damián Montero