Teenagers today are spending an excessive amount of time on their smartphones and computers. The ongoing online studies have seized the majority of their daytime. As per a survey, teenagers are now spending ten and a half hours glued to their screens. Apart from studies, they get engaged in activities like social media, video games, and other online stuff. In addition, another research found that 24% of teenagers remain online “almost constantly” and 73% of teenagers own a smartphone or have access to one.
This whole concept of online classes has led to the addiction to phones. Teens these days are getting addicted to their devices and becoming nomophobic. Yes, now even there is a term to describe people who can’t handle being away from their phones. The majority of the teens have already entered this category and the day is not far when each one of us will become nomophobic.
Such extreme exposure is damaging the neurological health of children and teens. Their brains are still developing and with all of this excessive use of phones, they may become a victim of depression and anxiety. Addiction to smartphones creates a chemical imbalance in the brain and may lead to many neurological disorders.
Teens addicted to smartphones have high rates of anxiety, depression, impulse control problems, and sleep disorders than other teens of the same age. It also affects their productivity, feelings, social life, and daily routines. Researchers even used technology to track the movement of biochemicals in teenager’s brains. They found out a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid that is involved in motor skills and vision. Too much of this chemical may lead to anxiety.
Uneven levels of neurotransmitters affect brain functioning, emotions, and cognitive ability. Thus addiction, anxiety, and depression can result when these chemicals are out of balance. Smartphone addiction alters brain functioning and may lead to poorer attention and control. Therefore when people are too attached to their phones, they are essentially destroying their ability to focus. In addition, the addicted teenagers had significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and impulsivity.
Through these studies, we can see the connection between extensive phone use and negative changes to the brain. No matter what age our children are, we can start to think about how to break their reliance on phones and other electronics before they get too attached, or possibly even addicted. Here are some Teenage Parenting Tips which will surely help you and your kids.
Ways to reduce addiction of your teenager
● Implement tech rules, like putting gadgets away while dining and driving.
● Introduce mindfulness to help break their tech habit.
● Remove social media like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and allow them to check these sites from the laptop.
● Remove chimes from their phone so they are not constantly prompted to look at a new text or post as it arrives.
● Restrict the use of electronics before bedtime, as this can disturb sleep patterns.
● Encourage them to replace electronics with healthier activities like creative arts, meditating, exercise, and talking to people in person.
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