Smart Phone and Tablet Addiction

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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Much More Than Just Tutoring

MUCH MORE THAN JUST TUTORING!

College Counseling and Coaching for Students with 
ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum and other Challenges

Is your college aged child going away to college with social, emotional and/or learning challenges? Wouldn’t it be comforting to know they have the extra support of Master and Doctoral level, highly skilled and licensed professionals directing them, encouraging them and making daily contact with them?

At the Support for Students Growth Center, we are experts in developing the emotional maturity, executive functioning, “soft skills” and social abilities of college students who may have characteristics of ADHD, Learning Disabilities and other needs.

Individualized services are unique for each student, they include, but are not limited to:

  • Personalized academic and professional psychological counseling
  • Professional therapy for social and emotional challenges (certified therapy dog involved, optional, visit our website to see pics of Daisy “Dawg”)
  • Provide parents with ongoing comprehensive updates
  • Development of core competencies: daily structure, focus, organization, planning, task initiation and completion
  • Collaboration with college supports, including coaches and tutors
  • Teach skills to enhance personal growth and academic success in college
  • Teach and support strategies to enhance motivation
  • Monitoring grades and assignments
  • Set realistic performance goals
  • Develop/increase independent functioning and living skills
  • Provide community-based instruction
  • Develop accountable healthy daily habits
  • Support balance with school/social life
  • Assist in connecting with local academic tutors, coaches and trainers
  • Individual or group skill-development in topics like time-management, learning strategies, organization, social skills, etc.

Service Delivery Method:

  • In person, in our Boca Raton office, in the local community or on local college campuses
  • Via phone/text, Skype, Facetime and in varying combinations
  • Students’ parents/guardians can also receive updates on the students’ progress throughout for the sake of transparency and accountability
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