Screen Addiction in Children and Teens: Recognizing Signs and Taking Action

Is your child addicted to screens? How to distinguish normal use from addiction? A guide for parents worried about smartphones and social media.

"He never puts down his phone," "She throws fits when we take it away," "He prefers his games to his friends"... Parents are increasingly worried about their children's screen use. But where's the line between normal use and addiction?

A public health concern

American teens spend an average of 7+ hours per day on screens for entertainment alone. Many children under 13 use social media despite age restrictions.

What Is Screen Addiction?

Definition

Screen addiction (or digital behavioral addiction) is characterized by:

Loss of control over usage
Constant preoccupation with screens
Negative impact on daily life
Inability to reduce despite wanting to

Warning Signs

Behavioral Signs

Loss of control

Unable to respect set time limits, "just 5 more minutes" that last hours

Constant preoccupation

Thinking about screens even when doing other things, compulsively checking notifications

Neglecting other activities

Abandoning sports, friends, homework for screens

Withdrawal reactions

Irritability, anxiety, aggression when the screen is taken away

Physical Signs

Sign	Explanation
Sleep disorders	Blue light, stimulation, nighttime use
Eye strain	Dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision
Postural pain	Neck, back, wrists (text neck)
Sedentary lifestyle	Weight gain, loss of fitness
Disrupted eating	Skipped meals or snacking while on screens

Emotional and Social Signs

Impact on Well-being

Anxiety: FOMO (fear of missing out), social comparison
Depression: isolation, low self-esteem
Irritability: anger outbursts, frustration intolerance
Isolation: prefers virtual friends to real ones
Declining grades: impaired concentration

A family dining without phones — Screen-free meals are essential for maintaining family bonds

The Mechanisms of Addiction

Addictive App Design

It's not by accident

Apps are designed to create addiction:

Notifications: create urgency to check
Infinite scroll: no natural endpoint
Likes and variable rewards: like a slot machine
Personalized algorithms: increasingly captivating content
Streaks: pressure to return every day

The Adolescent Brain: Vulnerable

The adolescent brain is still developing, especially the prefrontal cortex (impulse control). It's more sensitive to rewards and less capable of self-control than the adult brain.

Recommended Screen Time

Under 2 years (AAP)

1h/day

Ages 2-5 maximum

Consistent limits

Ages 6-12

Balance

Teens: find the right balance

How to Take Action

Clear Family Rules

Screen-free zones

Bedroom at night, dinner table, family time

Set schedules

No screens 1 hour before bed, not before school

Parental controls

Time tracking apps, app restrictions

Parental modeling

Lead by example: put your phone down too

Teenagers doing outdoor activities — Offering attractive alternative activities is essential

Dialogue Over Conflict

How to Talk About It

Avoid judgment: "You're addicted" closes the conversation
Express concern: "I'm worried because..."
Involve them in solutions: "How could we handle this?"
Acknowledge the positive: screens aren't all bad
Be consistent: rules must be enforced

Attractive Alternatives

Instead of...	Suggest...
Solo video games	Team sports, board games with family
Social media	In-person social activities
Passive videos	Creating (music, art, cooking)
Endless scrolling	Reading, podcasts, active learning

A parent talking with their teen — Supportive dialogue is more effective than prohibition

When to Seek Help

Consult a professional if

Major impact on school performance
Significant social isolation
Persistent sleep disorders
Violent outbursts when screens are removed
Depressive or anxious symptoms
Family regulation attempts have failed

Who to consult?

Pediatrician or family doctor (first step)
Child psychiatrist or psychologist
Specialized addiction services

Detox: How to Proceed

Gradual Approach

No sudden withdrawal: risk of crisis and relapse
Gradual reduction: -30 min per week
Replacement: have alternative activities ready
Tracking: time monitoring apps
Rewards: celebrate progress

Conclusion

Screen addiction is a major challenge of our time. It's not inevitable, but it requires awareness and consistent action from the whole family.

"
You're not a bad parent if your child spends too much time on screens. You're a good parent because you're concerned and looking for solutions.
"

— Message to parents

The goal isn't to eliminate screens (impossible and not desirable) but to learn to use them in a balanced way. It's a learning process that takes time, for children and adults alike.