Signs and Symptoms of Digital Media and Device Addictions in Children and Teens

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Signs and Symptoms of Digital Media and Device
Addictions in Children and Teens

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca 905-319-1488

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Over the past decade or so, the use of digital
devices and Internet connectivity in children and
teens has increased substantially.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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Children today grow up with digital devices, like
tablets, smartphones, computers, and video game
systems in the household. They have access to
online social media sites, downloadable apps, and
other such content at their fingertips.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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As a result, more and more children and teens are
developing addictions to digital media and
devices. As their addictions worsen, children and
teens will start to be constantly connected and
have to have some sort of digital device with
them at all times.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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Parents can often spot the signs of digital media
and device addictions in children and teens by
their responses when they take away devices and
do not allow them to get online, play video
games, or access social media sites.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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One of the more typical responses is an unfounded
temper tantrum of sorts, where the child lashes
out at the parents.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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This is sometimes likened to the withdrawal
symptoms experienced by those with addictions to
drugs or alcohol.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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If your child exhibits this type of behaviour
after taking away electronic devices or not
allowing them to get online, play video games, or
access other such online content, then it is
highly recommended for parents to seek help from
a qualified family counsellor.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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Other types of symptoms and problems parents need
to watch for that could indicate an addiction is
developing or has already formed include

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  905-319-1488

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Problems falling to sleep or sleeping throughout
the night. Children and teens that sleep with
their devices on and near them will wake up and
respond to status updates, text messages, and so
on. Constant use right up to bed time also makes
it harder for children and teens to fall asleep.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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Poor performance in school. If you notice lower
grades, failure to do homework assignments and
other problems occurring at school, the cause
could be from overuse of digital media and
devices.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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The inability to get offline or stop playing
video games. If your child or teen cannot stop
playing video games or stay offline for an
extended period of time, they could have an
addiction that requires your attention.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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Your child or teen is becoming obese. Obesity can
be a side effect of a digital media and device
addiction.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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Since they are sitting for extended periods of
time they are less active. In addition, snacking
and overeating are common when distracted and
engaged in online content, social media sites,
video games, and so on.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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A preference to spend time with online friends,
not actual friends. When your child or teen
spends more time with their online friends than
their actual friends, it could indicate an
addiction.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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It can also lead to your child engaging in more
risky behaviours they would otherwise avoid when
hanging out with actual friends.

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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If you notice one or more of the above symptoms
or already suspect your child or teen has a
digital media and device addiction,

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488

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please feel free to contact Bayridge Counselling
Centres for help, advice, and family counselling
by calling 905-319-1488 today!source-http//www.
bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca/signs-and-symptoms-o
f-digital-media-and-device-addictions-in-children-
and-teens/

• www.bayridgecounsellingcentres.ca
  905-319-1488