CAVEAT – This is a follow-up to our article “Parents, Caregivers, and Educators – Why We Need To Move Away From The Word Addiction When It Comes To Technology” (1)
In today’s onlife world, it’s common for us at the White Hatter to hear concerns about children and teenagers being “addicted” to their phones, computers, and gaming consoles. Parents often worry that their children are spending too much time in front of screens, to the detriment of their social lives, schoolwork, and physical health – which can be a real concern for some families for sure. But is this behaviour really an addiction in the traditional sense?
When we think of addiction, we typically imagine a situation involving a chemical substance that is ingested like drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or food that can alter the brain’s chemistry, leading to dependency. In these cases, the body develops a tolerance, requiring more and more of the substance to achieve the same effect, and the individual becomes reliant on the substance to function normally.
However, the behavior we observe with screens, whether on phones, computers, or gaming consoles, doesn’t align perfectly with this definition. Unlike substances, screen use doesn’t involve ingesting a chemical that alters the brain and leads to a need for increased consumption to maintain the same level of satisfaction and dependency. While screen use can become a habitual activity, it’s not equivalent to substance addiction, despite some people using the term “addiction” colloquially in a more casual sense. (1)
Using the term “addiction” to describe excessive screen use is misleading. It suggests that the behavior stems from a dependency like that of a drug, requiring intervention and possibly even withdrawal. But with screen use, it is extremely rare to see the same pattern of increasing tolerance or the same level of physical dependence.
Instead, what we’re often dealing with is a different kind of compulsion – it’s more like a habit as described by Dr. Pete Etchells in his book “Unlocked – The Real Science of Screen Time (and how to spend it better)” (2)
The design of many digital platforms, whether social media, games, or apps, is intended to keep users engaged because they are fun and social. Notifications, the endless scroll of content, and the pursuit of rewards in games can all lead to habits of behavior where children (and adults) feel drawn to their screens for long periods. This can create a cycle or habit where screen time becomes a preferred activity, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that more and more screen use is needed to achieve the same level of engagement or satisfaction.
It’s important for parents and caregivers to understand why children and teens might be drawn to their screens. Often, it’s not just the technology itself that’s appealing but what it represents such as connection with friends, entertainment, and even a sense of achievement in games. These are all normal desires, especially during adolescence.
What parents can do is recognize these underlying desires and help their children find a reasonable age-appropriate onlife balance. Rather than focusing solely on reducing screen use, it’s more effective to encourage a variety of activities that fulfill these same desires whether through sports, hobbies, face-to-face social interactions, or family time. Here are some strategies that we suggest here at the White Hatter that can help in this endeavor:
- Set clear guidelines for when and where technology is allowed, such as no phones at the dinner table or in bedrooms, and restrictions on gaming limits during school nights.
- Help your child find interests outside of screen-based activities. Whether it’s sports, reading, or creative hobbies, these can provide the same satisfaction that screens might be offering.
- Children often mimic their parents’ behavior. If you demonstrate a balanced approach to screen use, they’re more likely to follow suit.
- Talk to your children about the reasons behind screen use limits. Understanding the “why” can help them feel more invested in the rules.
- Many devices offer screen use tracking and parental controls. These can be helpful tools in managing and understanding your child’s screen usage.
While the term “addiction” does not accurately capture the habitual behavior we see with technology, it’s undeniable that excessive screen use can be a concern for some families. By understanding the differences between addiction and habitual screen use, and by taking proactive steps to address the underlying needs that often drive habitual screen use, parents can help their children develop a healthy relationship with technology.
Remember – It’s about finding a reasonable balance with the use of technology, not creating an atmosphere of fear which the word “addiction” conjures up!
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Feelings, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Technology Not No Technology
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