by Tara Heath
As parents, we might nag our kids about cleaning their room,
putting out the garbage, and doing their homework, however a new challenge has
been added to the pile: moderating social media addiction. It has now gone
beyond just a phenomenon and instead may be turning into an epidemic. So much
so that some are deeming it a mental health issue. The constant checking in
for mundane, often useless information just to feel part of something larger
than themselves has created a difficult impasse between parents and their
children. This is especially true for teens.
The Manifestation
Yes, social media addiction manifests at a slow and steady
pace. However, this is not to say that it can’t be reversed or, better yet,
prevented. It is simply something to look for as this slow stride could be an
opportunity to catch it before it gets away from you.
Like anything, the attraction seems harmless at first and
then becomes all at once consuming. Here are some telltale signs:
●
Spending continuous time (over an hour) on social media
sites.
●
Obsessed with checking Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,
etc.
●
Constant selfies.
●
Comments from friends and family (who are friends with
your child on social media) that they always see them plugged in.
●
Interference with other activities such as homework,
job, face-to-face relationships.
●
Withdrawal and isolation.
●
Sleeping with their device.
Facebook Test
Although Facebook is becoming more and more an adult social
media platform, The Center for Development posted a test established by a Dr.
Andraeassen and his colleagues out of Norway. It mentions Facebook, but the
test can really be applied to any other platform. Give it to your child (or
answer it from your observations) to determine if they are displaying social
media addiction behavior.
1.
You spend a lot of time thinking about Facebook or
planning how to use it.
2.
You feel an urge to use Facebook more and more.
3.
You use Facebook in order to forget about personal
problems.
4.
You have tried to cut down on the use of Facebook
without success.
5.
You become restless or troubled if you are prohibited
from using Facebook.
6.
You use Facebook so much that it has had a negative
impact on your job/studies.
In addition, a study by Tel Aviv University's Sackler
Faculty of Medicine and the Shalvata Mental Health Care Centre reported by The
International Business Times (UK) concluded that, "As internet access
becomes increasingly widespread, so do related psychopathologies,"
The Remedy of
Moderation
Moderation can be applied to just about everything we
love to do. In the case of social media, creating tools and
affirmations to wean your child away from their addiction takes time and
patience. Disallowing them to use their device as punishment for being on it
too much rarely works, however embracing the situation along with them may.
Have a conversation with your child and implement a plan to
reduce their usage - try incorporating a moderate schedule they can adhere to.
Karrie Lager, a Los Angeles child psychologist, comments, "In moderation,
social media can be a great way for teens to connect to others, to relate to
their peers and to express themselves."
Outside Help
Your child may be averse to your attempt at quelling their
addiction. Teens can be especially difficult as social media is replacing so
much of their interpersonal social life. If your attempt to work out a solution
creates an impasse, you may need outside help.
There are many therapists trained in addictive behavior that
can assist your child (and you) professionally. It takes time, work and money
but in the long run it may be the best thing you ever did your you, your
family, and most importantly your child.
If social media addiction is creeping up on your child, act
as soon as possible. Use some of the above tools to determine and remedy the
situation. In addition, there are also many mobile applications that may also help get
them on track. All it takes is a little legwork, listening, and love to bring
them back to a healthy digital life.
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Tara Heath is a
journalist in California. With a passion for parenting teenagers, she loves
using her expertise and knowledge to provide insight for other parents.
