Yes it is possible, and the reality is that it is happening. Today children are beginning to be hooked -literally- to technology at an earlier and younger age. This is alarming because being so addicted to virtual reality, they forget the most important thing: the reality that they have away from the screens. While it is true that technology is beneficial in many aspects, we must not forget that everything in extremes can be harmful.
If you suddenly realize that your child spends hours in front of the screen, be it writing text messages, playing games, watching videos, watching social networks and even doing it at times like when doing homework ... it is enough that Ask yourself a question: is my son a technology addict?
If you want to find out if your child is addicted to technology or not, you should be attentive to the signs that it can give you ... If you notice that he is really addicted to technology you will have to take steps to help him in his 'digital detox'
Symptoms that may warn you that your child is addicted to technology
Lack of interest in other activities
A sign that there may be a problem with technology is when you try to get your child to do something different or fun like going to the movies or doing an activity outside but the child resists it because he prefers to be in front of the screen.
If the resistance to doing other activities increases and it becomes increasingly difficult to get him to do things because of being ahead of technology, then it is more than likely that he has an addiction problem. Complaining a little is only common, the danger is when you have difficulty paying attention, to perceive what is happening around him or when he refuses to carry out other activities.
He just wants to be in front of the screen
If children talk about wanting to be in front of the screen all the time or are doing something and only think about watching TV or playing video games, there may be a problem. It's not common for a child to just have their next dose of technology on their mind. If your child is playing and looking at his phone all the time or asking you when he can play the video game again, then you may need to intervene.
Has mood swings and argumentative behaviors
Another sign to know if your child has an addiction to technology is if he begins to spend more time in front of the devices. In the same way, you can also become more sensitive and show argumentative behaviors to use more technology, to the point of arguing to get it.
It is alarming how electronic devices, as technology in general is in the middle of children's lives, it is common for them to use technology as a means of social communication. The technologies are not negative but there should be some rules in their use, such as not using the screen while eating as a family.
There may be withdrawal symptoms
Like any other addiction, if a child is addicted to technology, they may also have withdrawal symptoms. If a child seems tense or upset when he cannot hold the technologies in his hands, he may become overly irritated. This irritation may disappear when the technologies are in your hands again, being a clear sign of a withdrawal symptom due to addiction to the technologies.
If your child gets angry about little things and calms down when he has the technology again, then it will be necessary to check if the child also shows signs of anxiety, agitation and unjustified irritability when not before the technology. If, for example, a teenager feels agitated because he cannot talk to his friends on the Whastapp it is normal, but if a child continuously cannot overcome it, it is time to have a chat with him.
Start lying so you can have more tech time
This includes hiding the times they use their devices, hiding them or using them in bed without telling you anything. Children with a possible addiction to technology will try their best to minimize the degree to which they are asked about the use of technology to keep it a secret. It is normal for children to want to have some space and secrets, this is nothing negative ... But it is advisable for parents to monitor them closely and set limits so that something normal does not turn into a dangerous addiction.
Helping Kids Addicted to Technology
Technology has had a great impact on our society. It has made many things easier but some things more difficult, such as getting the children socialized, going out to play, exercising, and spending time with the family. We need to be wise parents, not let technology take first place in our children's days… or ours.
We have to be careful not to 'disconnect' from reality and priorities. Follow these tips to help a child addicted to technology:
- Set a time limit. Never exceed two hours in front of the screen - whatever device it is.
- Must spend more time doing other activities or playing outside -bike, go to the park, socialize ... -
- Tasks take priority. Housework and homework should take precedence over any other activity that has to do with technology.
- Family time is more important than anything else. Having family time is the most important thing for good child development. A quality time, enjoy each other.
- The open door rule. It is important that your children always have the doors open at home and that you can interact with them at any time. Family interaction is more important than time in the face of new technologies.