The study on screen addiction and its harm to children's mental health
The study involved more than 4,200 children from the U.S. with an average age of 10, and the researchers examined the relationship between their tendency to become addicted to screens and suicidal tendencies or behaviors, as well as other mental disorders. The researchers followed the participants over a period of 4 years, and about one-third of them became addicted to social networks by age 14. Nearly a quarter of the participants showed general signs of mobile phone addiction, and more than 40% of the participants exhibited symptoms of addiction to computer games.
The addiction was linked to an increased risk of mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. "The problem is not screen time itself," explains Dr. Amy Tody, a psychologist from Atlanta, "but the children's emotional response and emotional dependency – a feeling that they can't stop, that they need more to feel good, that they become irritable without it – all of this is related to addiction."
However, the study did not address specific and separate factors that could lead to such addiction, such as family circumstances, the children's life conditions, or pre-existing mental disorders unrelated to screens, such as obsessive-compulsive disorders, for example.
Signs of screen addiction
Nevertheless, screen addiction is indeed a real issue that can definitely have a negative impact on children. Dr. James Sherer, director of the addiction medicine department at Carrier Clinic in New Jersey, shares some well-known and common signs of technology addiction, which include:
- Spending a lot of time thinking about technology and planning its use
- Feeling an urge to use technology more and more
- Using technology to escape from problems
- Attempting to quit technology without success
- Irritability or unease when technology is unavailable
- Using technology in a way that negatively affects studies
While the emphasis here is on screen addiction in relation to screen time, Dr. Ayonna Pal, a psychologist from California, still recommends limiting children's screen time. According to her, as the amount of screen time allowed for children increases, so does the risk of developing screen addiction. She emphasizes that children are particularly vulnerable to this because they lack the ability to assess the value of delayed gratification and to develop cognitive control processes such as planning and organization – this part of executive functioning is still insufficiently developed in their brains.
"Much like other types of addictions, screen time is a drug that children receive, providing them with excitement or an escape they seek, which ultimately leads to anxiety, depression, obsession, difficulty controlling anger, and even suicidal tendencies when they don't get that drug," she says.
How to prevent screen addiction in children
Although screens are an inseparable part of our lives today, experts emphasize that screen addiction does not have to be. They share tips to help us as parents moderate our children's exposure to screens and thus prevent addiction to them:
1. Talk about it with your children
Inform your children that screens can be addictive and that this can cause problems. "Talk openly about what addiction is and how it can affect anyone, not just in terms of academic success, and even help them understand how they can identify such addiction in their friends," recommends Dr. Pal. "Discuss the consequences of addiction and help your children learn how to better manage their time."
2. Learn about what interests your children on screens
If there are specific programs or apps that your children tend to use more, get to know them and understand exactly what they are engaging with and what they are exposed to. For example, check the rating of the content your children are exposed to, read reviews from other parents, and try to understand what attracts your children to these contents. Also, try to learn from other parents how much their children are exposed to them.
If it’s about games, don’t be afraid to try playing them yourself, or at the very least, sit next to your children and observe how they react to the game while they play. "Many parents don’t have the time to do this, but it’s possible, and it also allows you to get closer to your children and understand their interests," says Dr. Pal. If necessary, set certain limits regarding the content your children are interested in.
3. Set boundaries
Dr. Khan recommends involving children in creating boundaries rather than imposing them like a hammer. "It’s more likely that children will cooperate with you if you involve them in the process," he explains. "Instead of imposing strict rules, sit with your children and create rules together. Ask them how much time they think is reasonable to dedicate to such activities, and negotiate until you reach a compromise that suits both of you. This will help build trust and teach children self-control rather than just obedience."
Nevertheless, remember that you are still the parents, and the final word is yours, but Dr. Khan recommends giving a reason for every "no" you say. You can also change your mind after some time and adjust the rules, but in this case, too, you should explain the reason for it.
