My 11 year grandson is addicted to vido computer games. His father is away to be with his dying mother and my daughter, my grandson's mother is not coping. They have put my grandson on anti-depressants, but obviously not working because he continues playing the games.
He is now with me, as I am deeply concerned for my young grandson.
Last night was the second night he stayed with me and twice during the night I got up and found him on the computer and then his phone (after he promised not to do it). Obviously because of lack of sleep I had a nighmarish time in getting him to school an hour late.
In desperation I began searching the internet for some answers and understaning of what is happening to be beloved grandson, and found this site.
I need help urgently, so that I can help this otherwise wonderful boy.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Mariem
Marie Menere
Welcome Mariem
I'm glad your grandson has such a caring grandmother in you.
You are in a difficult position as you are not the main carer. When your grandson stays with you it is 'your house your rules'. So you are perfectly entitled to remove screens at a certain time and turn off internet access when he stays with you. Of course this will not take care of the other times in his life when he has full use of games. but at least you are not contributing to neglect of appropriate boundaries in his life at this difficult time.
It may help you to read the infomation for parents of gamers which is linked in my signature below. If you can gain an understanding you may be able to guide his care givers into making healthier choices. There is a lot of informatiojn. The more time you can devote to understanding the issue the stronger and more believable you will be as an advocate for your grandson. it may be that you cannot influence his care givers, In which case you can only examine the ways in which you may be enabling your grandson when he is with you and also how you may be enabling the parents to enable him to continue to game and stop doing it ( sorry if this sounds confusing).
There is also a website called familesmanagingmedia.com that give good strategies for healthy use of screens. Olganon is more for dealing with difficult addiction where moderation of gaming has proved difficult, You may want to try a moderation strategy first.
INFO
Help for gamers here
Help for parents of gamers here
Help for spouses/SO's of gamers here
Parent's online meeting THURSDAY 9pmEST/EDT click here
Online meetings gaming addicts click here
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Hi Polga !!! You gave us a great response , I appreciate it