Tech addiction is a real thing. Research reveals that 94% of Americans have access to the Internet. Many of these Americans are so addicted that they can no longer imagine their life without it.
Technological usage among adults isn’t as concerning as it is among children. A new research report published in 2023 revealed that more than half of teens use their smartphones overnight. About 47% use their devices for YouTube, 39% for social media, 29% for gaming, and 18% for reading.
More than two-thirds of young users, or those aged between 11 and 17, have agreed that they face challenges in managing their technology use. This is worrisome since overuse of technology poses a threat to their well-being.
That being said, we’ll discuss how technological addiction is jeopardizing the well-being of children, as well as offer insights into how you can address the addiction effectively.
Effects of Technological Addiction on Kids
Addiction to technology harms children in many ways. In this section, we’ll discuss a few implications of technological addiction on kids:
1. Stunted Social Development
Your child’s excessive use of technology can interfere with their social skills. A journal published in Grouport has disclosed that over-reliance on technology can hamper the development and practice of face-to-face social skills.
If your child spends too much time on screens, they miss out on important face-to-face interactions. Technological overuse can foster a sense of isolation. Prolonged periods of isolation can have serious consequences on social skills and emotional health.
Technology also affects the attention span. The instant gratification that digital platforms provide can lead to decreased patience. It can also affect the ability to engage in lengthy or in-depth conversations, which can affect critical thinking and active listening skills.
2. Psychological Problems
In very young children, studies suggest that using screens is an independent risk factor for decreased psychological well-being. A study observed aggression, emotional reactivity, and externalizing behaviors in children with increased TV exposure. Another study published in ResearchGate has found that technological addiction can cause stress and anxiety in children.
Social media is especially to blame for mental health issues in children. A recent feature of Yale Medicine reveals that General Vivek Murthy, a U.S. Surgeon, released an advisory in which he said that social media is harming young people’s mental health.
Dozens of states in the U.S. are suing Meta platforms and its Instagram units for fueling the mental health crisis in youth. In the Facebook and Instagram lawsuits, attorney generals of 33 states, including California, say that Meta intentionally induced tweens and teens into addictive as well as compulsive social media use.
The complaint, which was filed in the Oakland, California federal court, further alleges that Meta has employed powerful technologies to attract and engage as well as ensnare teens and youth.
TruLaw reveals that about 41 states, as well as the District of Columbia, have sued Meta for designing features into Facebook and Instagram that addict youth. New York City has also filed a social media lawsuit alleging that it’s fueling a mental health crisis in youth.
The Facebook and Instagram lawsuit holds Meta liable for triggering mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, ADHD symptoms, and self-harm.
3. Sleep Problems
Technology addiction harms sleep. One study published in ScienceDirect revealed that children with smartphone addiction were more likely to experience sleep issues.
The blue light that screens emit can interfere with the production of melatonin—a hormone that regulates sleep. This makes it difficult for children to fall asleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule. Moreover, engaging with stimulating content, such as video games or social media, before bedtime can keep their minds active and delay the onset of sleep.
Addressing the Digital Dilemma: 3 Tips to Limit Technology Usage
In this section, we’ll share some tips that will help you limit your child’s technology usage:
- Limit screen time to two to three hours a day. Define specific times when screens can be used and stick to those limits.
- Designate areas in the home where technology is not allowed, like bedrooms and dining areas. This will ensure more face-to-face interactions and won’t cause sleep issues.
- Utilize tools like the Qustodio Parental Control App to monitor your child’s online activities. This can help manage the content they access and the amount of time they spend on devices.
Overall, technology addiction is harming kids in many ways. Excessive usage leads to psychological problems and sleep issues in children. Their social development is also stunted.
You can mitigate the negative impacts by setting boundaries around screen usage. Moreover, you must encourage your children to engage in physical activities, hobbies, and creative pursuits. That will limit their screen time, fostering a healthy, well-rounded development.
