Experts warn vs addiction to Internet, online games

CEBU, Philippines - Mental health experts in Cebu are reminding the youth of the risks posed by over exposure to online gaming and addiction to gadgets.

Dr. Doris Largo, board member of Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA)-Cebu Chapter, said online gaming is a form of “Internet addiction.”

“It has long-term effects for any person who goes online gaming because ma-sacrifice ang education; experience physical, psychological and emotional health; becoming unproductive…” she said.

“Sa online gaming mahurot imong oras and your future will be sacrificed instead of aiming to survive,” she added.

She said to cope with addiction, family members should help one another to deviate from online activities and instead engage in recreational activities.

The parents, she said, must constantly monitor their children’s activities and interact with them often so that the children will not to seek attention, care and love online and elsewhere.

“Internet is beyond our control. But, we have to control it by limiting our virtual involvement,” she said.

Dr. Glenda Basubas, president of PMHA, said too much exposure to online activities lead to anxiety, depression and cyber bullying.

“We should give importance to mental health, which is peace of mind,” he said.

She cited a study of the World Health Organization that states depression as a common mental health problem nowadays.   The WHO study shows that depression is currently ranked fourth as the leading cause of morbidity. By 2030, it is projected to become number 1 superseding cardio vascular problems.

Dr. Nancy Cinco, child psychiatrist, agreed saying that bullying usually happens after school through social media platforms.

“No escape and no safe haven for,” she said adding that parents should have open communication lines with their children.

Cynthia Potencioso, registered social worker, said psycho-social intervention has to be implemented in schools and other institutions as preventive measures with the increasing number of users addicted online.

These measures are optimizing communication skills, assertiveness training and anger and stress management.

They also highlighted the role of parents and teachers in fighting all forms of bullying citing Republic Act 10627 otherwise known as Anti-Bullying Act of 2013. — Kristine B. Quintas/ATO (FREEMAN)