Smart Phone and Tablet Addiction

addicted-to-the-screen

Smart Phone and Tablet Addiction

Smart phone and “tablet” addiction can be defined as problematic, dysfunctional use of the mobile phone and/or tablet, with the following characteristics and symptoms:

  • A constant preoccupation to use the smart phone to make phone calls or send text messages or connect with various forms of social media (Facebook, Instagram, twitter, etc. and activities associated with those activities.
  • The individuals need to increase the frequency and duration used to make phone calls, emails and sending text and photo messages.
  • Unsuccessful recurring attempts to cease or reduce the number of phone calls made, emails sent, and text and photo messages sent.
  • Withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety and depression associated with attempts to cease or reduce the number and time of phone calls, emails, social media posts and the number of text messages sent;
  • Making longer phone calls, sending a larger number of text messages and spending more time on social media than originally intended.
  • Academic, financial, career, family and social problems caused by mobile phone and/or tablet use.
  • Lying to family and friends to conceal the costs of and the time devoted to making phone calls and sending text messages.
  • Use of the mobile phone as a way of escaping from real problems or as a mood enhancer (to relieve loneliness, anxiety, depression or guilt).

Addiction or over dependency to the mobile phone and/or tablets is not a homogeneous phenomenon, anyone with access to this form of technology can become addicted.

Rarely a day goes by where I do not have a parent telling me how much their child’s smart phone and tablet dependency is causing conflict at home and interfering with their child’s emotional, academic and social development. I have done a considerable amount of research on the topic and have spoken to many professionals, parents, siblings and students themselves about the topic. I created a workshop specifically for you to become empowered with the “tools” you need to handle this dilemma of the current day.

As our parents did not have to deal with this technology as we were growing up, this over dependency on technology is a new problem. You don’t have to go it alone. The following link will provide you with all the details, if you can not make the workshop on Friday April 20th, I would be glad to meet with you individually. Call Paula at my office to schedule an appointment. I look forward to seeing you on Friday.  https://www.supportforstudentsgrowthcenter.com/product/help-my-child-is-addicted-to-their-screens/
(SPECIAL: Save $20 by calling the office to register, now!)

Research-based comments:

  • In the view of a recent Columbia University study, “communication, responsibility, and relationships all seem to be negatively influenced by the use of text messaging” in both early and late adolescent groups. (V., 2011)
  • Frequent mobile phone use has been associated with stress, sleep disturbances, and symptoms of depression among youngsters. (Thomée1S, 2011)
  • Yen et al. cite “withdrawal symptoms without cellular phone use” as a typical psychological reaction in adolescents to the removal of cell phone access. (Yen CF, 2009)
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