Viva Vitality: How to know when tech addiction has crossed the line
By Medicine Hat News on August 24, 2018.
Have you ever noticed your child’s mood takes a nose dive after too much screen time or video gaming? Have you noticed your child often complains of boredom and struggles to come up with other things to do besides videogames and screens? Have you ever noticed yourself or your child get fidgety, anxious, or irritable when away from a phone or tablet? We know screens are addictive; just look around as people in public places stare down at their devices, unaware of their surroundings. People often talk of lying in bed at night scrolling through social media or YouTube when they should be sleeping. Drivers continue to text and drive, even though we all know how dangerous it is. Have you ever wondered what, exactly, makes screens so addictive? In his book “Glow Kids” Dr. Kardaras (2016) explains how and why we’ve become so dependent on technology. The addictive nature of video games and smartphones is no accident. The gaming industry puts a great deal of time and energy into research and design of games and apps. The more addictive and stimulating it is, the more it sells (p. 22). Video games, social media, and apps on our phones are designed to be addictive by releasing a “feel-good” chemical in the brain called dopamine. This is especially problematic for kids and teens whose brains are still developing. Kardaras explains that brain imaging studies show that a kid’s brain on tech actually looks like a brain on drugs and warns that excessive screen exposure can neurologically damage a young person’s developing brain in the same way that cocaine addiction can (p. 4). While our adult brains have a fully developed frontal cortex, which controls things like impulses, seeing the consequences of our actions, and the ability to refuse temptations — kids’ brains do not (Johnson, Blum, & Giedd, 2009). If an adult, with a fully developed brain has difficulty controlling their use and being separated from their device, it’s easy to see why kids struggle so much. High action gaming, endless scrolling on social media, and limitless chains of videos on YouTube is over-stimulating and we feel these effects. Mounting evidence shows screens and gaming causes irritability, anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders (Kardaras, 2016, p. 3-4). Not only do children often come off games and screens with a noticeable change in mood, but many complain of boredom and lack interest in other activities. Dopamine- and adrenaline- producing digital activities are addictive and comparable to a candy buffet to a child. Compared to this, other activities seem dull and “boring.” One of the most common complaints voiced by parents today is that their child is easily bored and has lost interest in activities that once defined childhood — imaginary play, exploring nature, street games with neighbourhood children, or getting lost in a book. Dr. Kardaras encourages parents to let their kids be bored and let go of the idea that you must entertain your child all hours of the day (p. XXI). When kids are bored they are forced to access their imagination and creativity to find ways to entertain themselves. With screen time and technology so intertwined in our everyday lives, it’s hard to know when things are getting out of hand. Here are some red flags to look out for in our kids, but also in ourselves: * Staying up later and later to stay on the device or gaming system * Fidgety, anxious and/or angry if away from device * Tech use negatively impacting their schoolwork, family life, or other activities * Constant talk of gaming or virtual experiences * Hiding screen usage or devices * Difficulty regulating emotions * Easily bored * Being continually tired yet also wired * Falling asleep in school or at work (Kardaras, p. 247) So what can we do? Educate yourself about the risks and realities of screen time, and keep an eye on your own use. Having regular conversations with your kids about their screen usage and about your concerns. And remember that your kids will be quick to point out your own overuse of games and apps, so try your best to model healthy appropriate use! Taneil Zanidean is an addiction prevention and health promotion facilitator with Alberta Health Services, Addiction and Mental Health, and can be reached by email at Taneil.zanidean@ahs.ca 20-19
