Having a screen addiction is a very serious problem for children. It's not only harmful to your child's mental health, but it also poses a risk to their physical health. Learn more about what causes screen addiction and what you can do about it.
Children's bodies and brains
Various types of media, including television, computers and social networks have long been linked to mental health problems, but research suggests that the effects can be magnified in children. The latest study suggests that excessive screen time can have particularly worrying effects on brain development.
The good news is that it seems as though researchers are on the right track. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has announced plans to conduct the first ever scientific study of its kind. They will be using cutting-edge imaging technologies to examine how early experiences shape the development of a child's brain. The results will yield important insights into the foundational aspects of adolescence.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released new guidelines on how much screen time is acceptable for children. The recommendations, derived from the findings of a large-scale study, suggest that kids should be restricted to one hour of screen time per day. However, more studies are needed before we can determine the actual limits of this recommendation.
The AAP has also rolled out a test that can measure the amount of time children spend watching TV or playing on computer games. The study found that children who watched more than the recommended amount of TV exhibited a number of behavioral problems.
Interactions with substance abuse
Using a smartphone to scroll through social media may be the fad of the decade, but the screen addiction and substance abuse interactions it spawns may be more of a concern in the years to come. The best way to tackle it is to be honest with yourself and your family. This will entail a bit of soul searching, but it is well worth the effort.
A good first step in the journey towards slaying your gambit is to consult a behavioral health specialist. They have the most up to date treatment protocols and can suggest which treatment is for you. While a little rifling through the Internet may yield some gems, the best place to start is by asking your doctor about a referral to a more specialized clinic. This will ensure that you are receiving the most comprehensive treatment possible.
It is also worth noting that while a smartphone may be the new go-to device for many, it is also the biggest sucker in the household. For instance, the most expensive smartphones on the market today are priced at $1,100 or more. This is more than the average person pays for gas, food and insurance for the rest of their lives.
It is a travesty to be a consumer in such a predicament, but it isn't impossible to break out of the digital cocoon and be part of the digital community.
Treatment
Increasingly, there is a connection between screen addiction and substance abuse. This is a problem that can affect any person. However, younger children are at the greatest risk.
Screen addiction is a condition that rewires the brain. It causes people to want to keep a high level of stimulation throughout their lives. It is similar to drug addiction, and can lead to impulsive behavior. This can have a negative impact on relationships, work, and sleep.
It is important to find out whether you or your child are addicted to screens. If so, you can seek professional help. During a counseling session, you and your counselor can discuss the underlying causes of your or your child's excessive use of devices. You may also learn healthy coping mechanisms.
Treatment can take the form of therapy, medication, or other interventions. It is helpful to have a therapist with experience treating addiction. You can ask your therapist to provide guidance and to help you develop a plan for recovery.
Evidence-based treatments include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Some addicts have found that medication can be beneficial. You can find out more about these types of interventions at Ascend Treatment and Wellness Center.
EEG-neurofeedback training is another approach. This has been shown to reduce functional imbalances in the brain.
