It’s difficult to find anyone these days — adult, teen or even child — who isn’t overly attached to their phone or other digital devices. These have become such a common and essential part of everyday life that few people are ever without them.
Given that, it can be difficult to tell when that near-constant use tips over into more dangerous territory. It may be an increasingly fine line, but there is a difference between typical attachment to a digital device and actual digital addiction.
What is digital addiction?
With so much of our lives now lived online, digital addiction (also called technology addiction or internet addiction) can take multiple forms. Problematic digital use could include too much time spent doing online activities such as:
- Gaming
- Gambling
- Shopping
- Social media
- Video streaming
- Watching pornography
Digital addiction can be just as serious as other forms of addiction. And the brain mechanisms that feed it are nearly identical.
When the brain gets what it wants, it responds by releasing a chemical called dopamine. When dopamine levels spike, you feel good and naturally want to keep doing the things that make your brain release more dopamine.
This cycle is the same for addiction to drugs, bingeing on sweets or technology addiction. The more you get, the more you want. And for teens, whose brains are not yet fully developed, it can be very difficult to consciously stop that cycle.
Signs of digital addiction in teens
Most parents worry that their teens spend too much time on their phones and other devices. And while the majority of teens could benefit from decreasing their daily screen time, their digital use doesn’t rise to the level of addiction.
But according to the Pew Research Center, nearly half of American teens report that they “use the internet almost constantly.” Warning signs of digital addiction that parents can look out for include:
- Fatigue
- Falling grades
- Ignoring friendships and in-person interactions
- Inability to self-restrict technology use
- Neglecting health or personal hygiene
- Withdrawal symptoms (such as moodiness and irritability) when separated from devices
The impact of screen time on teens’ mental health
Even those without a true digital addiction can see adverse effects from too much time on their devices. Higher amounts of screen time are linked to worse mental health in teens.
Research has found that teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media have twice the risk of depression and anxiety compared to those who don’t use social media. According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, it can also increase the risk of other issues, including bullying, eating disorders and even suicidal thoughts.
Excessive screen time impacts teens’ sleep, leading to insomnia, an inadequate amount of sleep and daytime exhaustion.
How to help your teen navigate screen time safely
If you’re concerned about the number of hours your teen is attached to their phone, there are ways to help. Forcing them to go cold turkey on screen time may backfire. But you should set — and enforce — reasonable limits.
Work with your teen to come up with a schedule of when they have full access to their devices and when they need to set them aside. Most experts also recommend not having phones, tablets and laptops in the bedroom overnight. Create a spot where everyone, including your teen, can charge their devices outside the bedroom overnight.
If you’re worried that your teen’s digital habits are becoming addictive, it’s important to seek professional help. You can start by talking with your pediatrician or primary care physician. They can help guide you to the right care.
