Cell Phone Use in Teens: An Addiction?

In today’s world, it’s hard to imagine a life without cell phones. While they consume a large quantity of our time every day, we hardly consider what the negative effects cell phone use in teens could have. An article by CNN discussed a recent poll that found fifty percent of teens feel they are addicted to their cell phone. When we think of addiction we think of drugs or alcohol, not technology. The increase of cell phone use in teens could be causing a technology addiction.

Whether it is an addiction or not, sixty-six percent of parents feel their teen spends too much time on their cell phone. Cell phone use in teens is becoming a detrimental part to teens being able to build healthy relationships. As a parent, it can be frustrating having your teen alienate you due to a cell phone. If cell phone use in teens has created an addiction for your teen, it’s important to remember that it may be difficult for them to not use their phone. Just like any other addiction, removing the cell phone can cause withdrawal effects.

The Statistics

Cell phone use in teens is creating a distracting and unhealthy environment. Eighty percent of teens said they checked their phones hourly and seventy-two percent said they felt the need to immediately respond to texts and social networking messages. Teens are constantly being overwhelmed with email, text message or social media notifications throughout their day. The CNN article also discussed how frequent cell phone use in teens has stimulate a dopamine response in their brains. This is due to the unpredictability that email, text message or social media notifications have.

Ways to Limit Cell Phone Use

While your initial reaction may be to simply take cell phones away, it often proves to do more harm than good. A better method would be to limit cell phone usage and try to incorporate fun activities to replace them. Many parents set rules on the amount of time their teen can use their cell phone. Some examples include no cell phones at the dinner table or they have to work off a portion of their cell phone bill.

Asheville Academy is here to help

If you feel like your teen suffers from technology addiction, it’s not too late. Asheville Academy is a therapeutic boarding school for young girls, ages 10-14. Through our clinically intensive program and nourishing environment, your child can be guided to a healthier path.

For more information about Asheville Academy, contact us today at 800.264.8709