Teen Cellphone and Internet Addiction
In today’s society, the internet can be a valuable asset and educational tool, as well as a dangerous attraction and lethal weapon.
Many teens are turning to social networking sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to make friends, mingle and more.
An unfortunate reality is that potential predators can also sign up and chat with your kids.
Social networking are many teens’ ways of communication which can be entertaining and fun; yet, if they are not careful, it can also be unsafe.
Teen Internet Addiction Warning Signs:
- Your teen may suffer from anxiety. They may use the internet to distract themselves from worries and fears. An anxiety disorder like obsessive-compulsive disorder may also contribute to excessive email checking and compulsive internet use.
- They are depressed. The Internet can be an escape from feelings of depression, but too much time online can make things worse. Internet addiction further contributes to stress, isolation, and loneliness.
- They have any other addictions. Many internet addicts suffer from other addictions, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex.
- They lack social support. Internet addicts often use social networking sites, instant messaging, or online gaming as a safe way of establishing new relationships and more confidently relating to others.
- They are an unhappy teenager. They might be wondering where they fit in and the internet could feel more comfortable than real life.
- They are less mobile or socially active than they once were. Some are withdrawing from activities (sports and family events) as well as isolating themselves.
- They are stressed. While some people use the internet to relieve stress, it can have a counterproductive effect. The longer you spend online, the higher your stress levels will be.
An educated parent is better equipped to help limit potential danger of internet predators and online identity theft, as well as helping them develop a healthy relationship with technology.
Is cellphone addiction real? YES!
Today we are facing a time when teen depression is on the rise. Young people are struggling with anxiety, stress and overwhelmed by peer pressure. They are completely immersed in their screens without considering their emotional or physical health.
Have you tried:
- Phone contracts
- Removing their devices
- Local therapy
- Digital detox plans
But find your teen still falling back into their old obsessive patterns?
At P.U.R.E.™ we promote parent awareness to help you, as parents, understand that it’s not about removing the devices as much as it’s about helping your teen learn more about the risks behind the screen. In addition to the consequences of what they post and the impact it can have on their future.
These are only some of the concerns, while the most important issue is your child’s mental wellness. If you feel that it has now taken over their lives – and yours, it might be time to consider outside help.
Quality therapeutic boarding schools can help students to detox from their screen addiction and learn how to self-regulate, as they participate in individual and group therapy. They will eventually have a healthy relationship with devices. The fact is, technology is only growing – it’s not going away.
Read: What Causes Teen Mental Health Issues.
Read: 5 Benefits of Therapeutic Boarding Schools.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how a therapeutic boarding school can help your teen and family.
