Helping kids overcome Tech Addiction

Are we making technology smarter and making ourselves more stupid? Children are becoming the primary victim of the addiction to technology. Doctors say that it is as bad as the addiction of any other narcotics. Childhood is that period of an individual’s life when the foundations of later learning are made. They observe, understand, imitate, create and learn. Technology is making this long process short and serving everything on the platter. Children are no longer enjoying the activities that they used to enjoy once like reading books or playing games. They keep waking up till late in the night, wake up early leading to sleep deprivation and other problems to start with.

We cannot do away with technology be it a child or an adult due to our reliance on it for petty things like paying bills, managing accounts, a casual video game in two days, watching nursery rhymes etc. But there is a difference between using it occasionally and getting addicted.

Watch out for the signs of technology addiction:

1)Losing interest in other activities;

If your child no more goes out to play his favourite sport to play a game on his I pad or refuses to socialize with his friends it is time to be alarmed.

2) Distracted;

If no amount of convincing can make you communicate with your child while he is playing a game and has undivided attention towards his game. Even if you manage to get his attention with great difficulty, you find him waiting for his next chance to get back to the screen.

3) Behavioral changes;

If you take away the gadget or switch off the media and he is throwing unmanageable temper tantrums that are unlikely of his real nature it is a matter of concern.

4) Repetitive thoughts;

Even when he is away from his phone, tablet or any technology that he is using, he is always thinking about what he will do next or what he is seeing on the screen. His topics are limited to his games etc.

5) Withdrawal symptoms;

He will be distressed, anxious, confused or angry when he is not given his shot of technology.

Technology addiction can get worse than just spending more time on screen. The child can start developing symptoms like hallucinations, daydreaming, catatonia, delusions, and many other associated disorders. You are the parent and In charge of his life, consult a therapist before it gets later than that.