While there’s some debate about the reality of technology addictions, unhealthy use of technology has been linked to physical, social, and psychological problems. These include: an increased risk of childhood obesity, depression, cyberbullying, lack of sleep, and poor performance in school.
However, with the popularity of television, video games, computers, and other mobile devices, the constant use of technology has nevertheless become a normal part of everyday life. We’re now accustomed to seeing toddlers play with their parent’s tablets, we’ve learned to expect that teenagers will be glued to their devices, and we can only hope that everyone will put their phones away for dinner.
So how can we recognize when all this becomes too much? Let's take a look.
You might already have a good sense that technology has become way too important to your child, but if you want some validation, here are some of the most common signs.
Often, technology overuse or "addiction" is most evident when a child's interpersonal relationships are affected. Additionally, iPads, phones, and other devices can interfere with responsibilities, including schoolwork, chores, or extracurricular activities.
Not including educational pursuits, the Mayo Clinic suggests limiting children’s and teen’s screen time to just 2 hours a day of high-quality content. This is a far cry from the average of 6+ hours that recent studies have found. In response, the American Academy of Pediatrics is arming parents with practical recommendations for limiting usage and exposure:
Although limiting screen time is a great place to start, it’s just the first step to stopping unhealthy technology habits. It’s just as important for parents to be good models of behavior in their own daily interactions with technology.
If you believe that your child or teen might be overly dependent on technology— or if you’ve noticed other dramatic changes in their behavior— contact Idaho Youth Ranch for professional help and guidance.