Psychological first aid (PFA) is a short-term intervention designed to help individuals cope with stressful or traumatic events. It involves providing practical and emotional support to individuals who have experienced a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or personal loss. However, PFA can also be adapted for children who are addicted to computer games and social media. Computer game addiction and social media addiction are becoming increasingly common among children and can have significant negative effects on mental health and well-being. In this essay, we will explore how PFA can be used to support children who are addicted to computer games and social media.

What is Psychological First Aid?

Psychological first aid is an evidence-based intervention that is designed to help individuals cope with stress and trauma. The intervention is based on the principles of rapid assessment, immediate stabilization, and ongoing support. Psychological first aid can be provided by trained professionals, such as mental health professionals, social workers, or emergency responders, but can also be provided by non-professionals who have received basic training.

The goal of psychological first aid is to help individuals feel safe, calm, and supported in the aftermath of a stressful or traumatic event. The intervention can be provided in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community centres.

Adapting PFA for Children Addicted to Computer Games and Social Media

Computer game addiction and social media addiction are becoming increasingly common among children, and can have significant negative effects on mental health and well-being. PFA can be adapted for children who are addicted to computer games and social media to provide practical and emotional support to help them cope with their addiction.

The following steps can be used to adapt PFA for children addicted to computer games and social media:

Establish Rapport

The first step in PFA is to establish rapport with the child. This involves creating a safe and supportive environment in which the child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. The PFA provider should use a friendly and non-judgmental approach to build trust and establish rapport.

Assess Needs

The next step in PFA is to assess the child's needs. This involves asking the child about their addiction to computer games and social media and the impact it is having on their life. The PFA provider should also assess the child's emotional state and level of distress.

Provide Emotional Support

The PFA provider should provide emotional support to the child. This can involve active listening, validation, and empathy. The PFA provider should acknowledge the child's feelings and provide reassurance that their addiction is not their fault.

Provide Practical Support

The PFA provider should provide practical support to the child. This can involve providing resources and information about healthy alternatives to computer games and social media, as well as strategies for managing their addiction.

Encourage Self-care

The PFA provider should encourage the child to practice self-care. This can involve encouraging the child to engage in activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with friends and family.

Conclusion

Psychological first aid is an evidence-based intervention that can be adapted for children addicted to computer games and social media. PFA involves establishing rapport, assessing needs, providing emotional and practical support, and encouraging self-care. By providing PFA to children addicted to computer games and social media, we can help them cope with their addiction and improve their mental health and well-being.

References:

World Health Organization. (2011). Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health/publications/guide_field_workers/en/

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Dr Robert Becker, FCMA, Mental Health Specialist, Neuropsychologist, Psychotherapist