Lifestyle Change as Treatment for Screen Overuse
It takes commitment to change your life. Not only do you have to stop current behaviors, but you also have to find replacement behaviors that serve a similar purpose. Effective treatment for video game addiction and related technology overuse issues should always target the reason for the overuse habit and a healthy replacement behavior.
For example, campers that were engaging in 10+ hours of social media or video games per week will need to find new ways to occupy their time. Campers that were overusing social media will need to find new ways to interact and socialize- or to fill the void in their life social media was filling. Treatment for video game addiction and related tech overuse issues for teens is best achieved by creating a total lifestyle change. If a young person was using gaming to fight boredom and socialize, they might join a sports team for example to meet these same needs.
When it comes to the effect digital media has on our lifestyles, here are the facts:
Health and Fitness
Obesity
According to the CDC, 30% of children in the U.S. are overweight or obese with increased screen time activity being a significant contributor.
Outdoor Play
In a survey conducted by the YMCA, 58% of parents said their children spend fewer than four days a week playing outdoors.
Changing Habits is Key in Treatment for Video Game Addiction and Tech Overuse
Adapting a regime of healthy eating and exercise is one of the best things our campers can do going forward. Getting up off the couch and moving will not only keep you healthy, but it will also make you feel better.
At camp, we will introduce campers to a variety of sports and activities they might choose to continue when they go home. Each morning we start with fitness activities after breakfast.
Not only does keeping active keep us in good health, but it also helps with making us feel better as well. Finally, keeping an active schedule re-affirms commitment. It’s a daily reminder of who we are and the changes we have committed to. This is why physical health and nutrition are a part of the Summerland Camp process.
Effect treatment for social media and video game addiction involves changes to diet and activity