Technology Addiction and Young People.

Problems and suggested strategies for with technology

Research suggests that even 2 hours spent a day on non-homework use of technology can negatively impact children’s overall development (King et al., 2012). Some common problems are:

a) Falling behind on social, emotional and physical milestones:

Children need to be active, have their senses stimulated and have opportunities for social connection to develop both physically and psychologically. Children who are spending more and more time on technology, for example, have been observed to be failing to meet their motor milestones (King et al., 2012). A recent study, including Australian children, demonstrated that more children between the ages of 2-5 years could play games on a computer than complete age-appropriate tasks such as tie their shoelaces and ride their bike (SMH).

Some helpful tips would be to:

• Set a good example. Set your own limits and demonstrate this to your child. For example, a family rule may be no phones or technology at the dinner table for any family member.
• Skill up your child. Help your child develop coping skills for managing technology and non-technology time. For example:
• Explore their talents and interests and foster these
• Help your child develop problem-solving skills and practice using these, particularly in times when your child is feeling at a loose end without technology
• Develop your child’s physical capabilities, such as helping them with their fine and gross motor skills.
• Develop your child’s communication skills, demonstrate conversation, friendship, conflict-resolution skills and practice these and listen to your child when they are communicating with you
• Be proactive in helping your child develop friendships throughout of school activities, play dates and developing their interests

b) Experiencing high stress levels and exposure to violence

Children who overuse technology appear to experience physiological changes which mimic those seen in high-stress states, such as high heart rates, fast-paced breathing and hyperacute hearing and vision (Rowan, 2010). Additionally, playing violent virtual games has been linked to increased aggression and reduced empathy skills among children and suggests these games may well desensitise children to violence (Rowan, 2010).

Some helpful tips would be to:

• Set some relaxation time. Explore the things your child finds relaxing that do not involve technology and make time to regularly engage in these activities.
• Be selective. Determine what is appropriate and not appropriate for your child to play and keep the boundaries clear. If your child has played a game that is violent, talk through it with your child, discussing things like what is real and fantasy and how your child might view the game.

c) Falling behind at school

The overuse of technology has been found to impact negatively on children’s academic performance (Farber et al., 2012; Gentile, 2012). Children typically find it difficult to self-regulate their technology use, which can mean that daily tasks such as homework and reading are not completed or not given the time needed.

Some helpful tips would be to:

• Set clear limits and boundaries. Negotiate with your child on how much time they can spend with technology daily and stick to it. Help your child choose how to use technology and how to plan for non-technology time. Avoid using technology as a reward and involve older children in these negotiations.

• Monitor computer-based tasks.  Be aware of the school-based tasks your child is completing on the computer and help them remain on task and focused.

• Set time to read and help your child with their homework. Talk to the school if there are difficulties completing the homework and take an interest in school-based tasks at home.

d)  Other psychosocial difficulties such as sleep difficulties.

The overuse of technology has also been associated with sleep difficulties and increased anxiety, depression and isolation in some cases, particularly when children are exposed to personal safety risks such as cyberbullying and sexting (Farber et al., 2012).

Some helpful tips would be to:

• Educate yourself. Know what technology your child is using and what they are doing on that technology. Be your child’s friend on facebook, look at their Tumblr account, know the websites and games they seek. Most devices have parental controls and keep technology use in public areas in your house.
• Educate your child. Help your child know how to safely navigate technology, know the risks and how to identify them and know the supports they can seek if things go awry. Have some simple rules such as no sending of videos or photos without permission, no ‘friending’ people that you haven’t met.
• Establish clear bedtime routines and limits. Shift technology use in daylight hours and out of the bedroom. Research suggests that children who use a computer before bedtime take longer to fall asleep, have a poorer quality of sleep and are more distractible and fatigued during the day (King et al., 2012). Have a device charging station in a public space in your house for all family members to plug into during the night.
• Seek help. Seek professional help if you identify a personal safety risk involving your child or if your child is experiencing symptoms consistent with a mental health disorder.