Kids with Phone Addiction: How to Help, Treat, Recover

Multiple studies report increased cell phone use among children. Most experts recommend that kids shouldn't own a phone until they're 13 years old or in 8th grade. Common Sense Media revealed that 42% of kids have their first phone by 10 years old. By age 12, 71% of kids own a cell phone, despite it being before the recommended age.

One study found an increased prevalence of cell phone use among kids aged 6 months to 4 years. This happens when their parents allow them access to their tablets or smartphones. This can be concerning since it can impact a child's well-being.

However, researchers at Stanford Medicine didn't find a link between the age at which children receive their first phone and mental health disorders. The study measured depression, grades, and sleep patterns. The average age a child receives their first phone was 11.6 years old, while cell phone use increased between 10.7 and 12.5 years of age.

What is Phone Addiction? Is it real?

Yes, phone addiction is a real condition that can occur at any age. Phone addiction is a behavioral addiction defined by excessive cell phone use. It's common in the digital age, where there's an uptick in smartphone usage.

Today, it can be hard to escape smartphones. Eighty-six percent of people own at least one smartphone. Smartphones can keep parents connected to their kids, and vice versa. While smartphones can be both educational and productive, they can cause compulsive behavior.

When individuals struggle with phone addiction, they feel an intense urge to check their phone, even if they don't receive messages or notifications. This compulsion can affect other areas of their life, including their interpersonal relationships, mental health, and daily activities.

Cell phones can be just as addicting as drugs and alcohol. They can create a sense of urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO). Cell phones and social media were created to be immersive environments. Notifications can cause this sense of urgency, leading to a compulsion to check the device.

How many kids and teenagers suffer from phone addiction?

Going back to the previous study from Common Sense Media, 50% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 report being addicted to their phones. Another study from the Cross River therapy reported that 32% of teens depend on their phones. Meanwhile, 66% of kids feel anxious when they don't look at their phones.

Cross River Therapy also revealed that teens spend an average of nine hours a day on their smartphones. One-third of teenagers struggle with excessive smartphone use. Teenagers have the highest reported cell phone use. However, children can become addicted to cell phones just like teens and adults.

Studies also revealed that kids who spend more time on their phones are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Parents should monitor their kids' screen time use and encourage healthy hobbies.

Warning signs of Phone Addiction

Parents should recognize the warning signs and symptoms of phone addiction in their children. The most common signs and symptoms include:

Being angry or frustrated when phone use is limited
Declining interest in activities or hobbies
Disconnect from friends, family, and emotions
Increased urge to access a smartphone or social media
Failing to fulfill responsibilities at home, school, or work due to excessive phone use
Immediately picking up the phone when bored, lonely, anxious, stressed, or depressed
Increased cell phone use
Isolation from friends and family
Struggle to limit phone usage
Waking up during the night to check notifications or messages

Phone Addiction treatment

Treatment for phone addiction depends on the individual and the severity of the condition. The most common approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and mindfulness. Medication might be prescribed to treat mental health or behavioral conditions.

Psychotherapy can help the individual uncover the underlying cause of their phone addiction. The right combination of treatments can take some trial and error. There are also alternative treatment options, like support groups.

Individuals can also work virtually with a licensed mental health professional. This allows them to receive treatment in their home environment. Birches Health offers virtual treatment for phone addiction. Licensed clinicians are knowledgeable in this area. Treatment starts with a free and confidential self-assessment.

Speak with a care specialist

Refer a friend or loved one

A cell phone detox could be an option for those who can't do treatment for whatever reason. Also known as a digital detox, it occurs when a user avoids all forms of technology and digital content. It reduces time spent on your phone or social media. The goal of a cell phone detox is to enjoy life, reconnect with friends and family, and abstain from dopamine levels.

Schools banning cell phones: Necessary or overstepping?

There's an ongoing debate among Massachusetts residents about whether schools should ban schools. In May, Boston Public School revealed its plans to reduce students' cell phone usage in the classroom. Some public schools in the state banned phones before the new school year.

One BU professor told CBS Boston that classroom engagement has declined as a result of cellphone usage. Even experts and psychologists agree that kids should learn about the importance of a phone-free school and social media-free lifestyle. Kids who don't have cell phones are more likely to play outside, develop independence, and have more responsibility.

However, Massachusetts parents are mixed on the idea of banning cell phones in schools. Some argue they need access to their kids, especially in the event of an emergency. Other parents agree with the ban, stating that it can improve their child's education.

Social Media’s role in phone addiction

Social media usage is high among young people. It doesn’t discriminate. It occurs across various ages, genders, and the following factors:

Frequency: Some teens access social media daily. Between 15% and 16% of teens access TikTok and Snapchat.
Impact: Researchers found that excessive social media use can trigger the brain's reward system, which can cause a shortened attention span, insomnia, behavioral problems, and exclusion.
Platforms: The most popular social media platforms among teens are Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
Privacy: There are privacy concerns with social media platforms, including if they sell users' information to third parties.

TikTok

TikTok is addictive for most young users because it provides an ongoing stream of content. The platform relies on short-form videos that encourage users to scroll repeatedly. The short videos can distort the user's sense of time. Some kids are unaware of how much time they spend on the app.

What makes TikTok different from other social media platforms is that it creates a sense of community. Each video is targeted toward a particular user rather than a group of users. TikTok also has a "For You Page" tailored to the user. This page allows the user to scroll through the content for hours, leading to an addiction.

Instagram

There has been a debate as to whether kids and teens can get addicted to Instagram. Social media addiction is on the rise due to the rising rates of smartphone use. What makes Instagram so addictive is that it also uses content that captures your attention and keeps you on the app for a prolonged time.

Similar to TikTok, Instagram has an endless scrolling model. Users could scroll through the Instagram feeds or Stories without running out of content to look at. This is especially the case if the user follows thousands of people. Instagram also has Reels, which are short-based videos similar to TikTok. This content will trigger the brain's reward system and give boosts of dopamine.

Inside the treatment process for social media addiction

If the individual struggles with phone addiction, they would need an official diagnosis. Therapy starts with a self-assessment. A licensed mental health professional or doctor can provide the diagnosis. The level of care determined depends on the severity of the condition and any co-occurring mental health problems.

The individual will uncover the root cause of their phone addiction. The clinician will also work with the individual if they suffer from body image issues, eating disorders, or internet or phone addiction. Treatment is dependent on the individual's goals.

Sometimes social media addiction correlates with phone addiction. If it disrupts their life, they might enter residential treatment. It's also beneficial for those who struggle with alcohol or substance abuse issues.