Permissive Attitude and Perfectionist Parents Increase Internet Addiction

The access ban imposed on a gaming platform in Türkiye has brought concerns about child safety and gaming addiction back to the forefront. While experts stated that inappropriate content on the platform and children's addiction to games were among the reasons for this ban, Dr. Ayşegül Güner Algan from Altınbaş University drew attention to the negative effects of internet addiction on children. Algan also underlined that the behavior of parents is also an important factor in internet addiction.

The recent decision to block access to one of the popular gaming platforms in Türkiye has brought the discussions on child safety and gaming addiction back to the agenda. Inappropriate content on the platform and children's addiction to these games were among the main reasons for the ban. Experts draw attention to the seriousness of the effects of digital games on children and state that the uncontrolled use of such platforms can negatively affect children's developmental processes. In this context, the importance of awareness-raising activities on game addiction has once again emerged.

Internet addiction is a serious problem like other addictions, it should not get out of control

Altınbaş University Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology Faculty Member Dr. Ayşegül Güner Algan made important warnings about children's internet and digital game addiction. Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Güner Algan stated that internet addiction in children manifests itself with symptoms such as using the internet every day, spending more time than their peers and experiencing conflicts in family and friend relationships due to this habit. “Internet is an indispensable technology for both adults and children in today's world. However, it is now a scientifically proven fact that its uncontrolled use has great harm,” said Dr. Algan and emphasized that internet addiction is a serious problem like other addictions.

“It can negatively affect children's development processes”

Dr. Algan also talked about the effects of internet addiction on children: “It can lead to cognitive problems such as attention deficit, communication disorders, forgetfulness; emotional problems such as anger, irritability and agitation; and physical problems such as neck and spine disorders. Especially in young children, prolonged exposure to screens can cause speech retardation and communication disorders. Spending long hours in front of the screen can negatively affect children's developmental processes.” Dr. Algan stated that prolonged screen time in young children can cause psychological and physical harm and emphasized that this time should be limited to 1 hour a day, especially in preschool ages.

Permissive attitude and perfectionism increase internet addiction

Stating that according to research, internet addiction is more common in children of parents with permissive attitudes, Dr. Algan said, “Such parents are the ones who do not set rules for their children, do not assign tasks in housework and cannot impose certain limitations at home. Since children's emotional maturity is not developed enough, they may not make the right decisions. Therefore, it is of great importance for parents to set age-appropriate rules for their children.” Algan also underlined that the children of perfectionist parents who have conflicts with their children over school success are more prone to internet addiction. Dr. Algan also said that many parents today spend a lot of time on social media and that this sets a negative example for children, “Parents should be a model for their children and spend quality time with them.”

“They should direct their children to play with people they know”

Dr. Ayşegül Güner Algan from Altınbaş University concluded her speech by pointing out that the content of internet use is as important as its duration:

“Especially violent platforms and games can increase children's aggression. Violence is a behavior that can be imitated just by observing it. In addition, children who interact with other players on online platforms are at risk of being deceived by unknown people. Parents can create a safer environment by encouraging their children to play with people they know.”