How Do You Tell If Your Child Is Addicted To Their Phone?

For more kids, teens, and parents across the globe, smartphone addiction is becoming an increasingly prevalent concern. Sometimes, children and teenagers identify the addiction in themselves, whereas other times, parents notice it first. While technology benefits kids and their families in many ways, a healthy balance is critical. So, how can you tell if your child's addicted to their cell phone, and what can you do?

In this article, we'll discuss common signs of cell phone addiction in kids, what the research says on mental health and technology, and how to address phone addiction in children. Then, we'll talk about how Joon can help.

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Signs Of Cell Phone Addiction In Children

Also called internet addiction, cell phone addiction can affect people of all ages. According to Pew Research Center, 54% of teens worry that they spend too much time on their phones. However, phone addiction can affect anyone, from young kids to older adults. Once you notice the signs of screen addiction, you can work with your child to curb it. With that said, here are some of the most common warning signs of cell phone addiction.

They're on their phone constantly

One of the first and most obvious warning signs parents may notice in a child addicted to cell phones is that a child is on their phone constantly. If phone use seems to be taking over a child's life, it is relevant and worth addressing.

Inability to sleep

Blue light is linked to sleep disturbance. As a result, it is recommended that people of all ages, including kids and teens, stop using screens 30-6o minutes before bed. If your child experiences trouble sleeping that could be due to smartphone use, it may be a sign that your child is addicted to their cell phone.

Other physical symptoms

Many people with smartphone addiction continue using devices even when back, hand, eye, or neck pain is present. If your child experiences eye strain, headaches, or body aches associated with smartphone use, it could be a sign that your child is experiencing phone addiction.

Social challenges

Kids and teens experiencing cell phone addiction often focus on online friendships more than their real-life friends. If a child is spending less time with friends in person or experiences a lack of interest in doing so, it may be a sign your child is addicted to their cell phone. Online bullying is also something to look out for.

They're always switching between apps

If a child switches from app to app while on their device (for example, a child may use Instagram, then TikTok, then watch YouTube videos, then go back to Instagram) for extended periods of time, it may be a sign of cell phone addiction. Many teens and kids who are addicted to smartphones do this without realizing it.

They lie to hide cell phone use

Kids and teens may attempt to hide how much they use smartphones by lying. This is usually out of shame more than anything else. If your child or teen is open about how they feel about excessive media use, talking about how feeling addicted to phones is not shameful but can be overcome can be helpful.

Changes in behavior

If your child is showing signs of cell phone addiction and also experiences changes in behavior, such as social withdrawal or isolation, an uptick in trouble paying attention at school or finishing school work, an increase in irritability, or behaviors that could be symptoms of mental health concerns like anxiety or depression, it could be related to problematic smartphone use.

Note: Does your child need motivation to complete offline tasks like household chores? We can help. Joon promotes healthy habits and good behavior in children while helping them balance screen time with offline activities. Click here to download the app.

Cell Phones And Mental Health

Excessive use of mobile devices and other forms of technology can affect physical well-being, which is most certainly important. Declining levels of physical activity, for example, can pair with the aforementioned pain in the neck, eyes, and other body parts. All of this is serious, and mental health problems are yet another concern.

Research shows us a couple of different things that are relevant to this topic. First, we know that higher levels of mobile phone use are linked to an uptick in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Similarly, some social media sites can be harmful to kids and teens, especially if used in excess, leading to feelings of depression or anxiety, body image issues, comparison to others, and fear of missing out.

On the other hand, not all technology is bad. There are actually quite a few benefits to healthy technology use. For example, some research shows that playing games can lead to better impulse control and support academic, social, critical thinking, problem-solving, and motor skills, alongside other advantages.

At the end of the day, a healthy balance is key. While that may look different from person to person, it is possible to help your child get there.

How Do You Break A Child's Phone Addiction?

In today's world, phones are a part of daily life. For most of us, that won't change - at least, not fully or long-term. Here are some tips for today's parents working to address cell phone addictions in kids and teens.

Set boundaries

Set boundaries surrounding screen time. Boundaries could include only allowing screen time at a certain time each day, removing cell phones and other devices from a child's room before bed, or something else. The exact approach and boundaries you use will likely depend on a child's individual needs.

Use parental controls

Parental controls can help parents manage their children's app usage and how much time they spend on cell phones each day. Some parental control apps let you set screen time limits that restrict your child's ability to use their phone in specific contexts, and most allow you to block harmful apps or inappropriate content, both of which can be helpful.

Structure other activities

Make and keep a daily routine for your child. Free time that allows for screen time can be factored in, but kids should also have consistent screen-free activities to help them balance phone usage. Chores, sports, family time (e.g., family board game nights), and creative activities are all examples.

Be a role model

Parents can serve as positive role models for kids when it comes to technology. Look at your personal relationship with technology, and include kids in offline activities such as reading, cooking, spending time outside, making art, or something else. Take the time to plan for offline family bonding.

Seek professional support

Professionals who provide talk therapy can help kids find healthy coping strategies, address underlying concerns (such as depression) that might pair with smartphone addiction, and limit problem behaviors related to smartphone use. Look for a therapist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor who works with your child's age group and has experience with smartphone or internet addiction.

How Joon Can Help

Using Joon is an excellent way to help kids come to a healthy balance with technology. Joon is a to-do app and game geared toward kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related conditions ages 6-12+. Here's how it works:

First, parents sign up with the Joon Parent App and create a task list for their child. Children use a separate app called Joon pet Game. When kids finish real-life tasks assigned by adults in the Joon Parent App, such as household chores or homework, they get virtual rewards that let them take care of a pet and move forward in Joon Pet Game. This is how Joon aids self-control and motivates children to complete offline activities.

90% of kids who use the app complete all their tasks. Even better, Joon is backed by professionals such as occupational therapists, teachers, and child psychologists.

Click here to try Joon for free.

Takeaway 

Smartphone addiction can occur in people of all ages, including kids and teens. There are common signs of cell phone addiction to look out for, such as changes in behavior. If you notice signs your child's phone usage is problematic or excessive, there are ways to help. Setting healthy boundaries, acting as a role model, and seeking professional support are all tips that may be valuable for families. Alongside other benefits, apps like Joon can help kids balance offline and online activities while providing motivation and encouraging self-esteem.