Posted at 5:00 am.
Lack of self-regulation
“Game developers understand very well that young people prefer to get a lot of results with little effort,” warns Marie-Josée Michaud, a clinical specialist at the Le Grand chemin youth treatment center in Quebec. “So they managed to make the opening of their games a lot of fun at a low cost. » It’s generally easier and more dopamine-producing than playing outside, she says. Before children become mature enough, they need external guidelines.
Lack of adrenaline
“We are moving in an increasingly safe environment where everything is regulated, wearing helmets, playing in the park,” emphasizes Ms. Michaud. However, people have to take risks, they need a dose of dopamine, adrenaline and serotonin to feel good. » A child needs to develop multiple sources of pleasure and real bonds to achieve this well-being, not just in video games.
Lack of evaluation
Children are interested in the same things and therefore talk about online games in the schoolyard, says Ms. Michaud. “Saying, ‘My avatar won,’ and hearing, ‘That’s sick!’ tend to withdraw into this world.
Lack of dialogue
“Young people develop their critical thinking skills. But if we only talk about and assess the risks, we will lose them,” warns Ms. Michaud. Instead, she advises people to be genuinely interested in their games. Understanding that they bring them a lot of joy. And to encourage young people to diversify their activities for their health instead of banning everything. “Communicating and maintaining a relationship of trust is what benefits us the most. Sometimes we are only 15 minutes away from happiness, that’s so sensible. »