The Dark Side of Technology: Signs Your Kid is Smartphone-Obsessed
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Parenting Advice
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Smartphones have dramatically changed our lives. Being connected to everyone in your life and having all the information at your fingertips sound like a great thing. And for the most part, it is. But, phones have also changed the way our kids interact with each other and the rest of the world, both online and offline. Sometimes, this change seems a bit dramatic and their relationship with their phones a bit too intensive.
So, is your kid smartphone-obsessed?
The addiction
It’s hard to tell apart an addiction and a really long chat with a girlfriend, but there are definitely a couple of warning signs you should pay attention to. Does your kid become really anxious when their phone isn’t available? Do most of the phone calls and chats happen overnight? Is there a significant change in their diet or any signs of insomnia? Now, all of these can be explained by typical teenage behavior, which is true in most cases. It’s one of those cases when you must be the judge of what’s out of the ordinary.
Selfie
Another subset of smartphone related issues is oversharing on social media. The selfie craze doesn’t seem to go away. Having social media accounts is fine and taking selfies can also be just fine – it can be construed as a sign of confidence. On the other hand, the tendency to capture and share every personal moment may be indicative of intimacy issues. Those who feel a need to have their experiences validated by their peers are usually looking for closeness and understanding. They’re getting an illusion of those online.
Setting up rules
The best way to deal with the problem is to limit the time your kids spend on their phones. Decide on a period of time which is supposed to be smartphone free and make sure everyone sticks to their part of the deal. This should, by all means, include all the family meals and other quality time. Remember, this isn’t a punishment, so don’t treat it like one. The time should be filled with family oriented activities. It might seem contrived, but it actually works.
What to do?
If you’re sure there is a problem – address it head on. Talking always helps. Ask your kids about their online habits and express your concerns openly. There’s also no stigma in asking for help. For example, educators at Little Learning School are very well-equipped for handling these sorts of issues. More importantly, they can get to the bottom of the addiction and deal with its causes. There are a variety of programs and support structures that can help you deal with this situation, depending on your kid’s age and the level of difficulty they are facing.
Alternatives
Encourage your kids to find alternatives to spending time on their phones. Social activities taking place in real life can’t be matched by those happening online. Taking part in sports is always a good choice because it’s both healthy and encourages self-esteem. Playing music or dancing can also be attractive as they create a similar sort of bond between those who practice together. Think about involving your kids in charities or other worthy causes in your community. That way, they will build character and learn to appreciate what they have.
Smartphones and other gadgets can be great, but they can also get out of hand. Pay attention to your kid’s habits and online activities and step in if you think that the obsession has gone too far.
So, is your kid smartphone-obsessed?
The addiction
It’s hard to tell apart an addiction and a really long chat with a girlfriend, but there are definitely a couple of warning signs you should pay attention to. Does your kid become really anxious when their phone isn’t available? Do most of the phone calls and chats happen overnight? Is there a significant change in their diet or any signs of insomnia? Now, all of these can be explained by typical teenage behavior, which is true in most cases. It’s one of those cases when you must be the judge of what’s out of the ordinary.
Selfie
Another subset of smartphone related issues is oversharing on social media. The selfie craze doesn’t seem to go away. Having social media accounts is fine and taking selfies can also be just fine – it can be construed as a sign of confidence. On the other hand, the tendency to capture and share every personal moment may be indicative of intimacy issues. Those who feel a need to have their experiences validated by their peers are usually looking for closeness and understanding. They’re getting an illusion of those online.
Setting up rules
The best way to deal with the problem is to limit the time your kids spend on their phones. Decide on a period of time which is supposed to be smartphone free and make sure everyone sticks to their part of the deal. This should, by all means, include all the family meals and other quality time. Remember, this isn’t a punishment, so don’t treat it like one. The time should be filled with family oriented activities. It might seem contrived, but it actually works.
What to do?
If you’re sure there is a problem – address it head on. Talking always helps. Ask your kids about their online habits and express your concerns openly. There’s also no stigma in asking for help. For example, educators at Little Learning School are very well-equipped for handling these sorts of issues. More importantly, they can get to the bottom of the addiction and deal with its causes. There are a variety of programs and support structures that can help you deal with this situation, depending on your kid’s age and the level of difficulty they are facing.
Alternatives
Encourage your kids to find alternatives to spending time on their phones. Social activities taking place in real life can’t be matched by those happening online. Taking part in sports is always a good choice because it’s both healthy and encourages self-esteem. Playing music or dancing can also be attractive as they create a similar sort of bond between those who practice together. Think about involving your kids in charities or other worthy causes in your community. That way, they will build character and learn to appreciate what they have.
Smartphones and other gadgets can be great, but they can also get out of hand. Pay attention to your kid’s habits and online activities and step in if you think that the obsession has gone too far.
