Answer Addiction

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  • Technology: A Dangerous Addiction For Teens?

    Technology: A Dangerous Addiction For Teens?

    ​ARTICLE SUMMARY: This article takes a brief look at the definitions of tech addiction and signs that your teen might have a real problem with technology. Then, we offer suggestions about what you can do about it.

    ESTIMATED READING TIME: 5 minutes.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS:

    What Is Technology Addiction?

    Over the last few decades, technology has become such an integral part of our lives that few of us can imagine life without our smartphones and the internet. There’s no doubt that we need technology to keep up in our modern world. No age group has embraced the digital world more than teens.

    However, overdependence on tech can have serious consequences especially for teenagers who are still at an impressionable age.

    Experts now recognize internet or technology addiction as a major diagnose-able problem affecting adolescents. What is it, in medical terms? Simply put, technology addiction is:

    The frequent and obsessive tech-related behavior increasingly practiced by an individual in spite of the negative consequences they experience. It encompasses addiction to the internet, social media or video/computer games.

    Why Is Technology So Addictive?

    But what makes tech so addictive? To get the answer, you have to understand the effect it has on the brain. Technology appeals to our natural need for stimulation, connection, and interaction with others.

    Digital interactions, such as those on social media, stimulate the reward center of the brain and trigger the release of the pleasure hormones dopamine and endorphins. This results in a sort of high as teenagers keep seeing replies to their social media posts. It’s also the reason why some teens, as well as many adults, get hooked on social media and technology.

    The Problem With Digital Addiction

    While most parents are aware of the dangers of addiction to narcotics, alcohol and other harmful substances, few are aware of the very real threat lurking right in their homes — teen internet addiction. Sure addiction to technology may not sound as bad as other addictions, but it can have serious implications nonetheless.

    Data from several studies show that teens have complicated relationships with their smartphones. A Pew Research study reveals that now 95% of teens have smartphones or access to one. Furthermore, 54% of American teens aged 13-17 worry that they spend too much time on their phones while 56% report feeling anxious, lonely or upset whenever they’re away from their phones.

    That last statistic is quite worrying as more than half of the teens surveyed say they experience these withdrawal symptoms when separated from their devices. Even teens themselves agree that spending too much time online is a significant problem facing their age group.

    Although it looks harmless on the surface, technology addiction can have adverse effects on a teen’s life. Some of the consequences include:

    Brain damage. Research now shows that technology addiction may actually damage the brain by producing neural pathways changes similar to those caused by drugs and alcohol. This, in turn, results in damage to the parts of the brain dealing with attention, emotional processing, and decision-making. Teens are particularly susceptible since their brains are still developing and any negative changes might have a long-term effect on the rest of their lives.

    Health problems due to adopting an increasingly sedentary lifestyle thanks to being glued to their screens.

    Higher risk for depression, anxiety, and even suicide. Teens who spend a lot of time on social media tend to have lower self-esteem and higher levels of depression than those who don’t. This might be because they’re exposed to unrealistic standards and expectations for beauty, life, etc. that they just can’t match up to.

    Poor problem solving. Increasingly using the internet as a way to cope with the disappointments and challenges of life creates inability to manage stress. Technology can provide an escape from reality by giving teens a digital world where they can be anybody they want. Unfortunately, such escapism only encourages teens not to find solutions to whatever problems they face in the real world.

    Neglect. Neglecting aspects of their lives like their academics, relationships with friends and family and even their health.

    Lowered emotional IQ. Deteriorating interpersonal skills are also a result of too much tech.

    Safety concerns. Risks of cyberbullying, online predators, and excessive exposure to pornography.

    Sleep problems. Sleep disorders as teens opt to stay up all night playing games or chatting online.

    Warning Signs Of Addiction To Technology

    It can be tricky to identify technology addiction in teens since it’s necessary for them to spend part of their time online to do their schoolwork. Parents can, however, monitor their teens for the following signs of internet addiction.
    •  Becoming angry or argumentative when confronted about their internet use.
    •  Becoming irritable, anxious or depressed when not online.
    •  Constantly interrupting their ongoing conversations or work to check their phones.
    •  Lack of interest in activities they found enjoyable prior to having internet access.
    •  Lying about or hiding their internet habits and online activities.
    •  Neglecting household chores and schoolwork to spend more time online.
    •  Preferring online interactions and video games to social interaction with friends and family.
    •  Refusing to cut back on technology use and violating or evading set screen time rules.
    •  Staying up late to be online.

    Preventing And Dealing With Tech Addiction In Teens

    Many parents are understandably worried that their teenagers are spending too much of their time immersed in technology to the exclusion of everything else. While imposing an outright ban on technology in your home might be impractical, there are other things you can do to steer your teen away from being addicted to technology.

    1. Talk to your child(ren) about the dangers that lurk online. Teach them how to keep themselves safe by enrolling in a Digital Citizens course, like this one from Microsoft or with Google.

    2. Monitor their technology use and set reasonable rules and limits. This works better if you let your teen have a say in setting these rules. For instance, you could have a rule that no devices are allowed at the dinner table. Or you might have an all family “No Tech Tuesday”. Another idea is to limit screen time by charging devices in a shared living area at least 2 hours before sleep.

    3. Set a good example. Watch how you use technology as your teens might have emulated your behavior. You can’t expect them to cut back on screen time if they see you spending all your time with your devices.

    4. Consider treatment if there’s a problem. Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is a real thing and is becoming increasingly common among adolescents. If you notice that your teen is over-reliant on technology and has trouble controlling their tech use, seek help from a qualified professional.

    Your Questions

    Technology is an important part of our lives, but its overuse comes with risk. Finding a balanced approach to tech  use is crucial if our teens are to live happier, healthier lives.

    Still have a burning question?

    Please leave your questions in the comments section at the end of the article. We do our best to respond to all questions personally and promptly.

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  • Teen Anger Management | Managing Emotions in Addiction Recovery

    Teen Anger Management | Managing Emotions in Addiction Recovery

    Help Your Teen Manage Anger the Right Way

    If you are a parent of a child in addiction recovery, you may feel like you are walking on eggshells. For example, have you noticed that your teen is glued to their cell phone? When you ask your loved one a question, are you met with eye rolls and an angry attitude?

    Before the teen years, you were probably able to talk with your child about almost anything. However, as your child grows older you might encounter anger problems. When not handled appropriately, a teen’s angry feelings could prevent them from having a meaningful career, thriving relationships, and successful educational pursuits.

    Even though anger is a valid emotion, your teen should still know how to handle this feeling the right way. Teen addiction rates are on the rise. If you are wondering how to help your teen with their anger issues, here are some great ways to teach your teen successful anger management skills.

    Create a Household with Appropriate Rules

    Every household has different ground rules concerning anger. Some families may prohibit loud voices in the house, whereas other families find this mode of communication normal. What are your expectations about how anger should be handled?

    Make sure that you create rules that clearly state the appropriate household behaviors, as well as those that will absolutely not be tolerated. Some examples of inappropriate behaviors are:

    • Verbal threats
    • Physical violence
    • Name calling

    Don’t forget to establish consequences for not following the rules.

    Role Model Appropriate Behavior

    When it comes to teaching your teen effective angry management skills, your everyday behavior is everything. Do you yell, swear, and break things when things don’t go your way? If this sounds like you, there are some changes you have to make first before you can expect your teens to control his/her anger.

    Lead by example and show your child the right way to manage and express angry feelings. For instance, if you are upset that your loved one didn’t take out the trash, you might tell them that you are really angry that he/she didn’t complete the chore today. Then go for a brisk walk for ten minutes before discussing the consequences.

    Explain Angry Feelings Vs. Aggression

    Does your child know the difference between anger and aggression? While angry feelings every now and then are completely acceptable, aggressive behavior is simply not ok. Whenever your child feels angry, he/she should know that it’s never appropriate to throw objects, slam doors, or hit people.

    Make it clear that verbal aggression will also not be tolerated in the house or elsewhere. The ramifications of such behavior will not only result in at-home discipline but also legal consequences in academic or social settings.

    Communicate the Common Signs of Anger

    Most teens are also unaware of when angry is on the rise. They may often grow so angry in intense situations that they can’t help but lash out at someone. Instead of letting your loved ones repeat this destructive behavior, why not teach your teen the ways to recognize the physical warning signs of anger?

    During a conversation with your teens, pose this question to them “How does your body feel when you are mad?” Let them know that the most common signs of anger include:

    • Rapid heartbeat.
    • Racing thoughts.
    • Flushed face.
    • Clenched fists.

    Whenever your teens experience these signs of anger, encourage them to take a break from the situation and breathe deeply for about ten minutes.

    Encourage Self-Timeouts

    Everyone needs a break every once in a while. The same is true of a teen who is struggling with anger issues. If a conversation is becoming heated, encourage your teen to retreat to their room to gather their thoughts. After 15 minutes, your teen should be in a better frame of mind to continue the conversation.

    Demonstrate Assertive Skills

    Often times, teens become angry when they feel like others are taking advantage of them. Because of this well-known fact, you should teach your teen assertive skills. For instance, when your teen feels like their rights are being violated, they should know how to speak up for themselves in an appropriate manner. These excellent assertive skills will come in handy when a classmate cuts in front of them in line or a friend consistently calls them names.

    Teach Effective Problem Solving Skills

    If your teens lack effective problem solving skills, there’s a good chance that they might resort to aggressive behaviors. Whether they are struggling with their favorite sport or trying to sort out issues with their best friend, encourage them to identify a few potential solutions to the problem.

    Before choosing the best one, they should thoroughly review the pros and cons of each solution. Don’t be afraid to gently offer your personal thoughts about your teen’s problem while they are brainstorming. The purpose of this exercise is to help your teen see that there are many ways to solve a problem without lashing out. You might even support them as they try to let go of resentment. As time progresses, your teen will grow more confident in their problem solving skills. He/she might even come to you for occasional help.

    Share Successful Social Coping skills

    There are many socially appropriate ways to handle angry feelings that your teens should know. While some teens may prefer playing a musical instrument, others might enjoy going for a brisk walk outdoors. Some other proven coping skills are:

    • Drawing
    • Cooking
    • Reading

    Brainstorm with your teens to identify the specific coping strategies that’ll help them diffuse anger appropriately.

    Always Keep Communication Open

    The lines of communication between you and your teens should always be kept open. Every day when your teens come home from school, remember to ask them about their day. Throughout the conversation, encourage them to talk about their negative feelings. Allow them to fully express how they are feeling by complaining, disagreeing, and disapproving. Keep in mind that the best conversations are ones where they will not feel criticized or judged. Instead of blaming them for their feelings, consider providing a listening ear and solutions when appropriate. The ultimate goal is to make them feel important and loved.

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