Cracking Console Addiction

In the wake of breaking stories about children becoming addicted to their PlayStations, Xboxes (and even phones and IPods), our first-hand experience and eventual approach may help, though be warned, it requires strong (and very thick-skinned!) parenting. For us the Xbox has been a bone of contention. Our young 12 year old D was totally addicted to his Xbox on games all his friends were playing too. There is no doubt that his behaviour deteriorated dramatically while playing these games. With the long dark winter nights this normally outdoors kid was cocooned with his console. Gradually we worked out the source of the poor behaviour and bad attitude (with a little leeway - he is nearly a teenager after all!) but were unsure of the best approach to tackle the problem.

A friend said she had banned her child (not quite a teenager) from playing consoles Monday to Thursday. But on Friday and during the weekend the child can play as often as he likes, assuming all homework, chores and the such have been completed. Sounded tough to enforce but the rules were very clear (and with sporting commitments on Saturdays and Sundays the window of opportunity was significantly reduced).

So we went for it! We talked about addiction, behaviour and expectations. It was incredibly difficult those first two weeks in particular as he effectively went cold turkey. First the angry shouting, door slamming and tantrums; then trying to be incredibly well-behaved in return for the lost privilege; gradually the more balanced effort to talk and negotiate in return for good behaviour. As with all addictions, there is no half way house. For the moment he is resigned to the situation. Occasionally he will still say he clearly isn't addicted and should be allowed more time. But we are standing strong on this issue for the time being. His behaviour has improved significantly. It's lovely to have him back!