Technology Addiction in Children and Adolescents

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Do your children or teens seem glued to their devices?  Do they have trouble detaching from them for dinner, a family activity, or even just a few minutes?

What causes Tech Addiction?

Modern digital platform is more immersive and interactive than TV. When we watch TV, we sit back and we become passive viewers. With digital devices, we immerse ourselves in the experience and it can affect the brain of a child and adolescent. 

As parents, sometimes we struggle to set limits because we ourselves may be addicted to our phones. Unfortunately, a lot of us are terrified of being bored. One of the BEST things a parent can do to help nurture their child’s neural development is to allow them to be bored.

What are the implications of Tech Addiction?

When we give our toddlers or children an electronic tablet, it primes them for impulsivity, which can hijack our rational thinking.

One of the signs of screen dependence is how explosive and “mood-dysregulated” our children become without their device. According to USA Today: “Youth suicides are rising… the internet may be to blame”. The CDC found that suicide rates for children age 10 to 14 doubled from 2007 to 2014, at the same time social media usage surged. This report also showed that suicide overtook motor vehicle accidents as a cause of death in that age group.  Teen’s use of electronic devices for at least five hours daily more than doubled (from 8 percent in 2009 to 19 percent in 2015). These teens were 70 percent more likely to have suicidal thoughts or actions than those who reported one hour of daily use.

What is the connection between Hormones and Tech Addiction?

Certain hormones promote positive feelings, including happiness and pleasure. These “happy hormones” include Dopamine. Also known as the “feel-good” hormone, dopamine is a hormone and neurotransmitter that’s an important part of our brain’s reward system.

Video games trigger about the same dopaminergic response as heroin. A 2011 Indiana University School of Medicine brain imaging study on video gamers found similar adverse effects on the frontal cortex that occur with drug addiction. Dr. Peter Whybrow, Director of Neuroscience at UCLA, calls electronic screens and video games “electronic cocaine.”

How can we help our families with tech addictions?

Let us help our children engage in dopamine-activating experiences during the digital detox to replace screen-time. These activities can all boost dopamine levels:

  • Getting enough sleep

  • Exercising

  • Listening to music

Overall, a balanced diet and lifestyle can go a long way in increasing your body’s natural production of dopamine and helping your brain function at its best.

We can also help our children by setting healthy boundaries and examples with devices:

  • Putting away your device when your child or teen comes to speak with you. This shows them that you are focused on them and setting a good example for their social interactions.

  • Creating a “jail” for phones during dinner or family times. Forcing the separation from their phones helps them to get used to taking technology breaks.

  • Keep electronics for younger children in a public area. This can help them to get a good night sleep not awakened by notifications on their devices.

  •  Make time for non-digital activities as a family. Listen to music, play a board game or take a walk or bike ride together not only builds the family bonds but also can help boost dopamine levels in your children.


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Listen to this week’s podcast entitled:

Impacts of Screen Time on the Mental Health of our Children

Host: Lindsey Steffen, LMHC

Guest: Elizabeth Taquechel, LCSW

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