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MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Screen time and content affecting child development
Recently, children’s gaming habits have hit the headlines, with a report from the OECD saying that New Zealand children clock up an incredible 40 hours a week on devices. The risks of online gaming to vulnerable youth are becoming understood more, with graphic examples becoming sadly commonplace in our world: Sandy Hook, Columbine, Oslo and recently, the Christchurch mosque shootings. Many experts say that violence, which is now commonplace in all levels of media, has been normalised. Because mainstream media carries graphic images even in its news services, children see violence constantly and barely raise an eye. On screen, you can kill or be killed, and stand up to fight again. Parents need to make themselves aware of what their children are watching, so they can investigate and make informed judgements on the suitability of what is being watched for their particular child. Some researchers suggest personality and circumstances will moderate response to the violence in the game. Only a parent can ascertain their child’s response. Experts plead with the reader to stop wasting time arguing against what they maintain is a link between video game violence and offline violence, and spend that time dealing practically with the effects of that link.
Internet addiction Most researchers seem to agree that access to smartphones has increased the risk of contact with pornography, gratuitous violence and cyber bullying to children, and these are at the lesser end of the scale of risk. Researchers talk of “internet addiction”, first outlined in the 1990s. Addiction Counselling Auckland (ACA) has a full page on their website dealing with this type of addiction. They state if living online is taking over a child’s offline life, it is time to seek help. It has now been proven that there is a pathological reason for the internet’s effect on the brain. Evidence shows playing video games not only changes how our brain works but also its structure. The part of the brain associated with visuospatial skills (the hippocampus) actually enlarges during gaming. In addicted gamers, the effect on the brain is similar to a drug addiction, causing cravings. Gaming addicts can become isolated, depressed, irritable and anxious. ACA also warns that children who have difficulty socially or have poor coping skills, may use the internet to escape. It warns parents to take the issue seriously early on, to become familiar with the technology their children are using, and to discuss clear boundaries for phone and internet use.
Online bullying With the proliferation of social media, bullying has segued into something far more serious than a schoolyard tussle. It is suggested that the ability to bully online is a type of “revenge of the nerds.” No longer does the rugby jock or the most popular girl have control of the playground. The “nerdy”, less popular child can gain the upper hand through the internet, “where technological savviness can replace physical strength as a determinant of power or control.” The far reach of the internet enables the bully to control and debase much further afield. A cyberbully can be creative by involving identity theft, impersonating, posting unapproved photos, embarrassing victims online, stalking and rumour-mongering. The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 gives New Zealand protective legislation for this situation, forming a framework for those exposed, directing linking to Netsafe for counselling and advice. The incursion of the internet is insidious and harmful. Parents need to be on the lookout for signs of bullying and harassment in their children, and be aware of how to get advice and help.
Not just porn One very disturbing aspect of easy internet access is access to online pornography linked to seemingly innocuous children’s games or easily accessible via Netflix. Previously, the New Zealand censors controlled the content of films and television programmes. However, online porn has replaced adult DVDs, bringing this entertainment into reach of young children with a flick of the remote. The Office of Film and Literature Classification warned in 2015 that online flow was increasing and they have little control over it, to the point where they even doubt the future of their organisation. Rick Shera, in a 2018 Netsafe report, states online nude photos and explicit sexual content were most parents’ main concern. Alarmingly, the censors stated that porn was not the only area over which they have grave concern. Online suicide clips are sinister, not only in the graphic way in which they portray suicide but in the messages behind the drama. ‘In addition to the visceral depiction of suicide and how emotionally upsetting it would be to audiences of different ages, there’s the slightly romantic storyline of suicide leading to catharsis and resolution’ said one of the senior censors in a press release in 2019. According to an official Coroner’s Office report, the number of suicides in New Zealand reached its highest-ever level of 685 in 2018. Compare this to NZTA road toll figures of 377 for the same period and it becomes obvious that much more needs to be done to look at reasons for this horrific number. In 2018, chief censor, David Shanks, told Stuff news: “No one agency can solve suicide, but perhaps if we combine efforts, we can make a difference… Care needs to be taken in how the media treats suicide, and how suicide is treated in films and movies.” He also called on parents to be aware of what their children are watching online. Responsible parents must educate themselves on what their children are engaging in on the internet.
Role of parents It is obvious that the spread of easy internet access, in particular gaming, has effects both for good and bad amongst our children. It is important to differentiate between these. However, as researchers say, ‘until the entertainment industry gets it, it is basically up to us as parents to set boundaries for our children concerning violent entertainment’. They go on to suggest that parents need to raise the protection and decrease the risk, so kids are ‘immunised’ against the harmful effects of media violence. To quote one researcher: “What we fail to do is often more serious than what we choose to do. To choose not to do something important is itself a choice that carries moral weight.” Parents have a vital role in the safety of their children on the internet. To be able to do this, parents must be familiar with their children’s use, and to set boundaries based on their own knowledge and their children’s ability and age, to be alert to issues arising such as isolation, addiction, bullying, and to know where to access help if it is needed.
Parents have a vital role in the safety of their children on the internet. It has now been proven that there is a pathological reason for the internet’s effect on the brain. |
Is it necessary for parents to be worried about their children’s internet usage? LIZ HOLSTED investigates the growing concern over too much screen time.
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