Resources for gamers, parents wanting to break kids' extreme electronics usage habits
We wanted to provide our viewers with resources for more information.
— -- Following our year-long ABC News “20/20” report on American families dealing with the devastating effects of excessive use of technology, we wanted to provide our viewers with resources for more information, support and how to help others.
-American Psychological Association has a column, titled “Children and electronic media: How much is too much?” HERE.
-The American Academy of Pediatrics offers an online tool to help parents think about media, create goals and rules that are in line with their family’s values HERE.
-Entertainment Software Association (ESA) established the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which provides resources and guidelines that provide information and insight about games for kids. They provide tips for parents HERE an a discussion guide HERE.
-Families Managing Media is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate and empower parents to confidently manage the ever-changing world of childhood screens.
-Cam Adair says he is a former video game addict who now dedicates his life to helping others who think they play too much. He lectures about eliminating game usage and helps mentor people trying to quit.
-Legacy Freedom is a network of rehabilitation facilities, including a location in Ohio, which seeks to empower people to permanently overcome addiction. The focus is placed on helping individuals to discover and heal their underlying cause for abuse and develop and live their life's purpose. Each client is provided with a custom tailored program as opposed to a 12-step program.
How obsessive gamers can quit playing
Resources and experts mentioned in our program:
-Kevin Roberts counsels families all over the United States regarding excessive technology usage and is the author of two books, “Cyber Junkie: Escape the Gaming and Internet Trap” and “Get Off That Game Now!” He is referring participants and contributing to the NIH funded study taking place at Wayne State University and DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan about excessive digital usage’s impact on the brain.
How parents can help prevent kids from becoming obsessed with digital devices
-Outback Therapeutic Expeditions - Unplugged Program: More information can be found on their website HERE.
-Chris Ferguson and Patrick Markey are the authors of the book, “Moral Combat: why the War on Violent Video Games is Wrong.” They have written a New York Times op-ed stating that video games are not addictive.
-Nicholas Kardaras is an addiction expert and executive director of the Dunes in East Hampton. He is the author of “Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking our Kids” and “How to Break the Trance.”
How parents can tell if their child's electronics use is harming them
-David Rosenberg is the Department Chair of Psychiatry at Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center. He and his colleagues at Wayne State University are looking for teenagers with excessive digital use and are conducting related studies funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) on obsessive compulsive behaviors, ADHD and schizophrenia. Rosenberg gives prospective teens a survey HERE that you can take online.
How excessive use of technology can impact brain function
-Victoria Dunckley is a child psychiatrist who has a private practice and has written a book, “Reset Your Child’s Brain, A Four-week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-Time.”
Popular Reads
ABC News Live