Illustration: School closure might trigger addiction to video games and the internet within kids. (Image via The Conversation)

Expert: Lengthy school closure might trigger video game, internet addiction

While the school is closed in order to prevent the young generations from contracting the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the experts in Japan are worried that the children will develop addictions to the internet and video games. A study showed that many children had already glued themselves to the internet and video games.

TesTee Inc, a company that develops survey apps based in Tokyo, stated that from 8,464 junior high to university students, 71 percent of high schoolers and 82 of junior high schoolers saw an increase in the amount of time spent on the internet and video games. The survey was conducted between 27 March and 6 April.

About 80 percent of them spent more time on video-streaming sites such as YouTube, while 40 – 50 percent spent their time on mobile game apps. Meanwhile, about 43 percent of junior high schoolers and 33 percent of senior high schoolers spent their time grinding on consoles than smartphones.

Angel Eyes, a private organization to support internet addicts, said that children without any goals for club activity or exams easily became prey for internet and video game addictions. Especially, after school closures, many children lost sight of their goals.

While many parents complained about it, Angel Eyes said that there are also positive sides to the phenomenon. Parents, forced to teleworking, are able to monitor how much time their children spent on gaming or surfing the internet.

The experts suggested that the parents also limit the time for internet and video games. Make sure that the children maintain good sleep cycles and daily rhythm by creating schedules for them to do while the schools are closed.

Source: https://bit.ly/2WE3M5z