We’ve all seen it, groups of kids at the park on their cell phones, at a family gathering, they just can’t seem to put down their iPad or iPhone to interact with others. They are so hooked on their devices that when you ask them to put them away they become aggressive or throw temper tantrums that leave you in awe.
These devices are a form of a digital drug because technology is hyper-arousing raising dopamine levels—the feel good neurotransmitter that you get when you’re excited about something, similar to sex. It’s something that’s peaked the interest of scientists who’ve done research using brain imaging showing the effect that technology has on the brain’s frontal cortex, which controls executive functioning, including impulse control, similar to the effects of cocaine.
Dr. Peter Whybrow, Director of Neuroscience at UCLA calls these screens “electronic cocaine” and Chinese researchers call them “digital heroin”. According to a 2013 Policy Statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 8- to 10 year-olds spend roughly 8 hours a day using various digital media while teenagers spend 11 hours in front of screens. One in three kids are using tablets or smartphones before they can talk. The handbook of “Internet Addiction” by Dr. Kimberly Young states that 18 percent of college-age internet users in the US suffer from tech addiction.
Digital addiction is something that continues to grow and as parents you have to start monitoring their usage at home. It may seem practical to get your children a tablet or phone to get them out of your hair and have some peace and quiet, but it’s important to limit their screen access. That means no tablets for babies; let them play with blocks and toys that help them with their cognitive development and social interaction. It is also recommended that you don’t buy your child a tablet or laptop until they’re at least 10 years old. Once they convince you to get a cell phone or tablet, make sure you limit their access and that means removing those devices at night, when they are more prone to spend hours online without any supervision.