Unison Parenting Blog: Protect Your Child from Addictive Screen Behavior

Addiction to screens is a real thing for parents to worry about.

A new study published by a division of the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that your child can become addicted to their screens, but screen time isn't the best way to measure addiction.

The study tracked 4,000 children for years from their upper elementary years (9-10) to their early teens (age 14). The study concluded that:

• About a third of participants became increasingly addicted to social media.

• About a quarter became more addicted to their mobile phones.

• Four in ten increased their addiction to video games.

The children who became more addicted also were more likely to report suicidal behaviors or thoughts.

However, the study emphasized that screen time alone did not reveal addiction. Researchers said screen time may be used in various ways that are healthier and do not indicate addiction.

From what I could access on the study (you have to be in the medical field to see it all), I felt like researchers did not clearly define "addiction." It seems to be found in responses to study statements like, "I try to use the social media apps less, but I can't."

In other words, your child is addicted to their screen when they feel helpless to stop using it.

Given this, my guidance is to evaluate your child holistically and not just on measurement of screen time. Instead, look for signs such as:

• Inability to control themselves, starting with screen usage but extending into other areas of life.

• Tendency to race back to their screen shortly after putting it aside, or finding some reason to re-engage with it.

• Lack of interest in non-screen activities or pursuits.

• High agitation and rebellion when separated from their screen.

I would also suggest looking at ourselves. Adults are coming to understand how compelling screens can be. We may identify in ourselves or fellow adults the addictive traits to monitor in our children.

If you feel your child might on an addiction path, I would suggest engaging with a professional therapist or someone in the youth addiction field to coach you and your child on how to separate screen from young person.