Addressing Screen Addiction in Youth
Published:
Jun 22, 2024
How Prevalent Is Screen Dependency Disorder Among Kids?
Excessive screen time is linked to both adults and kids. According to a 2015 study in Behavioral Sciences, about 12% of adolescents were also found to be compulsive gamers. Kids were more commonly addicted to video games during those times.
Nowadays, kids have access to all kinds of screens. They can get addicted to gaming consoles, phones, computers, laptops, tablets, and television sets. It can be hard to pry them away.
Most children rely on tablets or phones to ease their boredom or temper tantrums. They find peace of mind, albeit temporarily. However, screen dependency can cause other mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
Increased screen time can cause behavioral and developmental problems in kids. Some of them experience outbursts and suicidal tendencies.
You might be concerned about your child’s screen use. This guide will teach you about screen addiction, including the warning signs.
Signs of Screen Addiction in Children
Today, it’s easier for children to be addicted to their screens. Unfortunately, some of them have been raised in front of the screen.
Some parents keep a tablet in front of their toddlers at dinner to prevent outbursts. However, this can lead to picky eating and screen dependency in the long run.
They don’t realize how harmful this small habit can be. Their children could develop a screen addiction later in life. According to a 2021 survey by Common Sense Media, 17% of teens and tweens experienced increased screen use.
That same study found that kids as young as were already on social media. Screen addiction occurs when your child is unable to control his or her urge to avoid screen time. The causes of screen addiction vary among individuals.
Dopamine and stimulation are the driving forces behind this habit. The stimuli found on screens activate the reward system in the brain. This causes a dopamine hit, similar to the reaction to drugs and alcohol.
Every time your child plays a game or scrolls social media, they get a dopamine dose. They’re unable to control his or her urges and look for another hit. Screen time becomes an addiction when it negatively impacts their health and social life.
The most common symptoms include:
Having an uncontrollable desire for screen time, and those thoughts override the need to study, play, or socialize
Cutting back or canceling activities because of preference for screen time
Lying to others about their screen time use
Increasing screen time used to experience a sense of euphoria or joy
Continuing screen time even though it causes issues at home or school
Screen addiction can cause long-term changes in the brain that would require extensive behavioral or mental health treatment to reverse.
What does screen addiction do to the brain?
Screen addiction releases dopamine in the brain. It impacts a child’s impulse control. Studies have shown it changes the wiring of the brain. The individual increases their screen time to experience those feel-good pleasures.
This behavioral addiction can affect the brain just as much as drugs and alcohol can. It’s not about the substance or activity that the individual is addicted to. It’s about how they act as a result of the addiction.
How does screen addiction affect children?
Screen addiction can cause long-term consequences in children. It can develop into an addiction when they’re teens or young adults.
Too much screen time has been linked to anxiety, depression, eye strain, insomnia, poor social skills, impulsive behaviors, and difficulties at school. An addiction has been previously defined as a person’s inability to control the use of a behavior, despite the negative consequences.
Children engrossed in screen time or video games while ignoring important priorities would fit this definition. Screen addiction can damage one’s health and relationships if they can’t control it.
Long-term effects of screen addiction may include the following:
Body image issues or low self-esteem
Cyberbullying issues
Depression or anxiety
Difficulty with creativity or problem-solving
Speech delays
If you notice any of these signs in your child, it’s time to get them help as soon as possible. Being involved in your child’s screen time use is a good start. Making time for your child will make them more likely to talk to you about what they’re going through.
Also, you should be kind and compassionate. Don’t chastise them for their screen dependency. Instead, warn them about the risks without sounding like a schoolteacher. Let your child know that you’re concerned about their habit.
As always, set a good example. Don’t allow gadget use during dinner and before bed. Make sure to limit your screen use as well.
You always want to be a positive role model for your child. Make sure their screen dependency doesn’t get out of control. If you need further help, book an appointment with Birches Health today.
Sources:
Screen Dependency Disorder: Effects of Screen Addiction
Why Are Kids So Addicted to Screens?
Video games and screen addiction - Mayo Clinic Health System
Screen Addiction Affects Physical and Mental Health | Premier Health
