Cell phones have become a necessity for people of all ages today. Some would even say that there are too many benefits of smartphones, outweighing the cons. This is because it helps people stay connected and is incredibly innovative for healthcare professionals. For instance, people who have Dementia, Alzheimer's, or other neurodegenerative diseases can be in constant touch with their healthcare professionals.
Not only does this help keep track of their movements, but it also keeps concerned individuals informed about their whereabouts in case they may require help. Furthermore, the use of cell phones has particularly increased among teenagers in the past decade or so.
There are many reasons for this, but when it comes to parents, the simplest reason is that a cell phone helps them communicate when their children aren't around. Some schools even allow cell phones on the premises, given that they will either be on silent or switched off.
The idea is to give the kids a cell phone, so they can inform the parents or ask for permission in case they are already out of the house and would like to stay out for longer.
Not to forget, the crime rate is rising like never before. Crime against children, like abduction, rape, and assault, are relatively more common than they once were. In such cases, the cell phone acts as a GPS device.
How to Spot Teen Cell Phone Addiction
While cell phones have made communication easier and far more effective now, they have also contributed to the chaos and poor mental health among teens. Teen cell phone addiction is a growing problem due to the variety of things a mobile phone can be used for.
This includes video games, social media, online chat rooms, etc. It's often postulated that social media is the all-vicious prey behind cell phone addiction. However, there is no way to tell. This is because the hook for cell phone addiction for each teen is different and can't simply be chalked up to social media.
That said, any kind of cell phone addiction in teens warrants action to help them. Addiction is a disease and as guardians, you can help them fight it.
Let's have a look at some telltale signs of teen cell phone addiction that can be mistaken for usual behavior.
Staying in Bed too Late
It's normal to get out of bed late in the morning, especially when it's cold. But if you notice your teen being tucked under the blanket with their phone for more than two consecutive weeks, they may be using their phone too much.
Try to talk to them about this and express your concern. Every problem has a solution that comes out once you strike up a conversation.
Phone At The Dinner Table
This is another common thing that even adults can be found guilty of. Our lives, both professional and personal, are encapsulated in our phones. However, if you see that your teen hardly puts down their cell phone and is constantly distracted by the notification ding, then it's time for a conversation.
Pay special attention if this is coupled with heavy mood fluctuations, specifically if you point out that they might be using their phone too much.
Using Cell Phone While Studying
Breaks and distractions are common when you're dealing with a budding teenager. But, when your teen uses the cell phone more than their textbooks, there may be a problem. Talk to them about this and how it may affect their grades in school and further educational prospects like college.
In-home behavioral intervention and teen mentorship can be the roots of your children's healthy behavior. But remember to take small steps. Start with a conversation, and try to understand their reasons for everything they do instead of jumping to conclusions.
Not only is this healthy for you, but it also creates a field of trust that reinstates your child's trust in you. This is important if you want them to be open with you.
In a nutshell, teen cell phone addiction can be problematic due to its various devastating effects on teenagers' mental and physical health. At Higher Grounds, we focus on practices such as parent support, fitness, counseling, in-home behavior intervention, teen mentorship, etc. Our goal is to help kids use the energy they put into cell phones elsewhere.
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