Cellular device usage has become pronounced for children since the pandemic, because kids were socially isolated. Children developed bad habits surrounding using cellular devices to maintain social connections. Some children rely on external validation from peers which can boost their mood when they receive a “like” or receive compliments from others. Children also worry about the fear of missing out (FOMO), therefore, they are constantly engaged on social media to stay connected to “what’s happening in the lives of others.”
Some parents provide kids a cell phone at a young age expecting them to understand how to set parameters around using the device. Children are not self-disciplined or developmentally mature enough to understand the importance of creating boundaries around using their cellular devices or understand the mental health repercussion from being dependent on cell phones.
Removal of their cell phone can create conflict/agitation, because they have become dependent on it. The addiction kids have to their cell phones can be equated to substance dependency or gambling. There are stimulating effects to phone addictions. Kids experience a surge of dopamine (reward pathway to the brain) when they receive a pleasurable response from others on social media or text messages. If children are preoccupied with over usage of a cell phone, it can interfere with their mood and behavioral responses. A recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) revealed that teens who use social media more than three hours per day may be at heightened risk for mental health problems.
Try these four things:
1) Set time parameters.
Ask your kids not to use their cell phone during family time, study time and schedule a time to store their phone away before bedtime.
2) Family sharing.
Family sharing on devices provide kids access to apps for kids under the age of 13. This is appropriate to monitor younger kids access to age-appropriate information.
3) Make sure both parents are on the same page.
It’s imperative that parents communicate with each other whether they are married or coparenting expectations/rules surrounding cell phone access. Parents should honor each other’s decision and be a united front to ensure kids are consistent following rules set around cell phone access.
4) Set-up location tracking.
This provides parents access to their kid’s location and you can observe kids behaviors in terms of where they are spending time during their day.
Parents can support their children by helping their children develop self-discipline around using the cell phone. Encourage kids to develop routines and habits that don’t require cell phone access. Provide your child support and avoid criticism of them, engage them in conversations about appropriate social interactions, engage your kids in conversations and spend quality time with your kids to encourage face time conversations. If you recognize your kids need mental health support, contact a mental health professional.
Crystal is the President and Founder of Nurture Alabama where she is working to expand access and shift the conversation about mental health so that all Alabamians,
especially from historically marginalized communities, can thrive. Her new book, 21 Day Journey to Strive for a Healthier You, is available now. She can be reached on her website nurturebham.com
