Technology is evolving at an exponential rate, bestowing positively to areas of education, medicine, and research. However, excessive gaming and screen time have led to lifestyle obsessions which can further lead to mental and physical repercussions if left unmanaged. Almost every parent stresses about how many hours their kids log on their tablet, smartphone, or TV each day. One should recognize the level of addiction and start the treatment as soon as possible.
Signs Of The Addiction
Research has demonstrated that devouring too much time in front of the screen can be snatched from your child’s early physical and mental development. Research has also shown that there are serious short-term and long-term risks associated with too much screen time.
Your child can’t control their screen use:
The researchers call this “unsuccessful control,” when kids have trouble stopping using devices. If you’ve tried to commit limits on screen time, but your kiddo just couldn’t deal, this could be an issue.
Loss Of Interest In Other Activities:
If “tablet time” is the only thing that encourages your child (books, toys, and sports don’t get them nearly as excited), they might be too invested in screen use.
It preoccupies their thoughts:
If, even when your kid isn’t playing video games, he’s talking about Minecraft, wondering what his favorite YouTuber will post next, or acting out scenes from Angry Birds, this could be a sign of addiction.
It interferes with socializing:
Is your child bringing a phone to the dinner table? Sneaking peeks at his tablet while his grandmother tries to make conversation? When screens interfere with family activities, they could be problematic.
Screen use causes serious family problems:
Have you had any blowout arguments incited by screen use? Or behavior problems related to something they’re watching? This could be a sign of an unhealthy relationship with screens.
Your kid shows signs of withdrawal:
When it’s time to turn off the TV for bedtime or put mobile devices away for screen-free family time and your kid gets frustrated, they may actually be experiencing withdrawal.
Their tolerance is increasing:
If your child used to watch 30 minutes of YouTube after school each day but now she’s even watching it on a phone on the way home from school, her tolerance is on the rise.
A screen is their mood booster:
If your kiddo is wriggling a tablet into bed at night or lying about how long they’ve been playing a video game, this is a red flag.
A screen is their mood booster:
If your child comes home after a bad day at school and needs a TV show or game to make him feel better or offer an escape, researchers say it could be a sign of screen addiction.
EFFECTS OF USING SO MUCH SCREEN
Spending too much time in front of a screen has been linked to a lack of sleep, speech delays and poor social skills. In order to combat the risk of screen addiction, it’s important to understand the risks.
Health Risks:
Too much screen time also introduces certain health risks, often as a side-effect of the mental risks and sedentary lifestyle that it encourages. Some of the most common health risks include weakened vision, obesity, sleep problems, neck, and back pain. Added to these physical health risks is the risk of behavior problems and violence which is often the result of exposure to violent shows and games.
Lack of Life Balance:
Studies have shown that certain types of fast-paced media may be truly addictive, resulting in the same addictive compulsions as drugs. Both the amount of screen time, as well as the type of screen time, can have a big effect on how a child (or adult) engages with the world around them. When someone is addicted to a screen, it can be difficult to make time for play, exercise, socializing and even work. In many instances, the addiction can be all-consuming even when not in front of a screen, with the mind obsessed about the game while trying to hold a regular conversation. This lack of balance can have negative health, mental and relationship effects down the line.
Strained Relationships:
Perhaps one of the most under-rated risks associated with too much screen time is how much it costs an individual’s personal relationships. Many need couple counseling and the like to work through feelings of disconnect and worthlessness.
In addition, gaming is known to have qualities that are indicative of manipulation. Video games are known to trigger a reaction in the brain that is similar to that of gambling. This obsessive mentality consumes a person’s life, often at the expense of those that love and support them.
Mental Health Struggles:
There are several ways that screen addiction and gaming can lead to mental health disorders. First, peer pressure is a trend across social media that is consumed by the screen. Social media has a strong association with lowered self-esteem and this has a knock-on effect with depression. Another serious concern is the solitary state that screen time encourages. When a child or teen spends hours playing games, scrolling on their phone or watching television, they are eliminating the chance of social interaction. While this is not necessarily a problem in small doses, the extended hours can have more serious effects such as withdrawal, moodiness, and depression. Often, mental health counseling is needed to journey through these struggles.
