Introduction
In today's digital age, gaming has become a significant part of children's lives, often leading to concerns about gaming addiction. The study "Effectiveness of school- and family-based interventions to prevent gaming addiction among grades 4–5 students in Bangkok, Thailand" offers valuable insights into addressing this issue through evidence-based interventions. This blog explores how practitioners can implement these findings to enhance outcomes for children.
The Study: A Brief Overview
The research conducted by Apisitwasana et al. (2018) focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a Participatory Learning School and Family-Based Intervention Program aimed at preventing gaming addiction by fostering self-regulation among students in grades 4 and 5. The study involved a quasi-experimental design with two groups: an intervention group that received the program and a control group that did not.
Key Findings
- Improved Knowledge and Attitudes: The intervention led to significant improvements in students' knowledge and attitudes towards gaming and its effects.
- Enhanced Self-Regulation: Participants in the intervention group demonstrated increased self-regulation skills, crucial for managing gaming behaviors.
- Reduced Gaming Addiction Behaviors: The Game Addiction Screening Test (GAST) scores significantly decreased in the intervention group, indicating reduced gaming addiction behaviors.
Implementing the Findings: Practical Applications
For practitioners aiming to enhance their skills and improve outcomes for children, the study's findings offer several actionable insights:
- Integrate School and Family Involvement: The study highlights the importance of involving both schools and families in intervention programs. Practitioners should encourage collaboration between teachers and parents to create a supportive environment for children.
- Focus on Self-Regulation: Developing self-regulation skills is crucial in preventing gaming addiction. Practitioners can design activities and programs that enhance children's ability to control their gaming behaviors.
- Utilize Evidence-Based Tools: The study used validated tools like the GAST and Game Addiction Protection Scale (GAPS) to assess outcomes. Practitioners should consider incorporating such tools to measure the effectiveness of their interventions.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, it also opens avenues for further research. Practitioners are encouraged to explore additional factors influencing gaming addiction and test the intervention's applicability in different cultural contexts. By contributing to the growing body of research, practitioners can continue to refine strategies and improve outcomes for children.
Conclusion
The study underscores the effectiveness of school- and family-based interventions in preventing gaming addiction among children. By focusing on self-regulation and involving key stakeholders, practitioners can significantly enhance children's outcomes. For those interested in delving deeper into the research, the original paper provides comprehensive insights and methodologies.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Effectiveness of school- and family-based interventions to prevent gaming addiction among grades 4–5 students in Bangkok, Thailand.
