Is Your Child Addicted to a Digital Device?

Dear Pop,

I often see my young granddaughter playing with her mother’s smart phone. She watches videos or plays games. What’s your take on this?

LA Granny

Dear LA Granny,

Experts warn that addiction to digital devices prevent young people from forming normal social relationships. After a session on one of the machines they are left drained by the constant interaction.

Kids can develop obsessions with their digital devices. Some signs include asking for it constantly, using it 3-4 hours daily, and becoming agitated when the device is removed. 

British psychiatrist Dr. Richard Graham said in the August 22, 2013 issue of the Windsor Star that young tech addicts experienced the same withdrawal symptoms as alcoholics or heroine addicts when their digital devices were taken away.

Hillary DeCesare, cyberbullying expert and CEO of Everloop, said in a Huffington Post 2012 article, that kids should have early access to digital technologies so they become prepared to adapt and thrive in advanced professional settings. However, parents must monitor what the child is watching and limit the time spent there.

Kids have access to digital devices from birth as their parents play games like “Words With Friends” or “Solitaire” all the time. They are the ones modeling the behavior. Watch your child for signs. Do they act as if nothing exists but their screen? And when you take the screen away is it followed by tussles and tantrums? Perhaps parents can use the device as a reward. For example, if a mom wants to encourage her daughter to clean her room, she can offer the family iPad for 10 minutes if the child does a good job.

Kids are not miniature adults. They are growing and developing organisms. Limiting that growth and development by spending hours in front of a screen—computer, tablet, or smart phone—is doing that future adult a disservice. Inactivity causes obesity and fails to encourage muscle development. Like most helpful inventions, it is up to us to mix digital technology and a child’s development with smarts.

So what to do with the kids if screens are taken away? Spend time with your kids by playing board games or cards with them. Take them outside for an afternoon bike ride or a game of miniature golf. Teach them to play the games you loved as a child like basketball or soccer. Or perhaps encourage them to learn a musical instrument. When they do have screen time, set limits. Spending more quality time with children develops your relationship with them and in turn, their trust.

Best wishes,

Pop

Learn more about Pop on his website at www.michaelthal.com