Antaru, a 15-year-old teenager, was glued to his smartphone as usual. His mother, Mrs. Rao, watched him from a distance, her heart heavy with worry. She had noticed the changes in him over the past year—his grades had dropped, he barely spoke to the family, and he was always tired. Determined to help her son, Mrs. Rao decided to seek professional advice and booked an appointment with Dr. Sharma, a psychologist specializing in adolescent behavior.
In Dr. Sharma's cozy office, Mrs. Rao explained her concerns. "Doctor, I'm really worried about Antaru. He's always on his phone or computer, and it seems like he's disconnected from everything else. I don't know what to do."
Dr. Sharma nodded empathetically. "Screen addiction is becoming increasingly common among teenagers. Let's talk about the causes and symptoms first, so we can understand what Antaru is going through."
Dr. Sharma leaned forward. "The causes of screen addiction often include the accessibility and constant connectivity of digital devices, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and online gaming. These provide instant gratification and create a cycle of constant checking and interaction. Peer pressure also plays a significant role."
Mrs. Rao nodded, understanding the broader context. "That makes sense. He spends a lot of time on social media and gaming with his friends." She paused, then asked, "Could you explain what you mean by instant gratification here?"
"Of course," Dr. Sharma replied. "Instant gratification refers to the immediate pleasure or reward that these platforms provide. For example, receiving a like on a post, winning a game, or getting a new message triggers a release of dopamine in the brain, which feels good and makes the behavior more likely to be repeated. This constant cycle of rewards can make it hard for individuals, especially teenagers, to disconnect."
Dr. Sharma continued, "There are several symptoms of screen addiction. Increased screen time, neglecting responsibilities like schoolwork and chores, sleep issues due to late-night screen use, physical health problems such as eye strain and poor posture, social withdrawal, and mood changes like irritability and anxiety."
Mrs. Rao sighed. "I've seen all of these in him. He's always tired and irritable, and his grades have really suffered." She hesitated, then asked, "Can you explain more about social withdrawal? What does that look like?"
Dr. Sharma nodded. "Social withdrawal means that instead of engaging in face-to-face interactions with family and friends, the individual prefers to spend time on their devices. They might avoid social gatherings or seem uninterested in activities they used to enjoy."
Mrs. Rao looked concerned. "And the mood changes? He's been so moody lately."
"Yes," Dr. Sharma replied. "Mood changes like irritability and anxiety can occur when screen time is interrupted or restricted. The constant stimulation from screens can also make it hard for them to relax, leading to increased stress and emotional instability.
Mrs. Rao took a deep breath. "How does anxiety occur in this context?"
Dr. Sharma explained, "Anxiety can arise from the pressure to stay connected and responsive on social media, the fear of missing out (FOMO), and the overwhelming amount of information consumed online. Additionally, the lack of proper rest and relaxation due to excessive screen time can heighten feelings of anxiety."
Dr. Sharma paused, then added, "It's important to remember that children often model the behavior of their parents. If family members are also frequently watching screens and then say no to the children, it creates mixed signals. Changing these habits as a family can create a healthier environment and set a positive example for the children."
"Screen addiction can lead to serious consequences," Dr. Sharma said gently. "Academic decline, physical health issues like obesity and repetitive strain injuries, mental health problems such as stress and depression, social skills deficits, and sleep disorders."
Mrs. Rao's eyes filled with tears. "I don't want any of this for my son. How can we help him?"
5 Simple Tricks to Get Rid of Screen Addiction
Dr. Sharma smiled reassuringly. "There are several strategies we can implement. First, set clear limits on screen time. Establish rules like no screens during meals or before bedtime."
Mrs. Rao nodded. "We can definitely do that."
"Encourage other activities", Dr. Sharma continued. "Promote hobbies, sports, and face-to-face social interactions to balance screen use."
"Antaru used to love playing soccer. Maybe I can encourage him to start that again."
"That sounds like a great idea!" Dr. Sharma encouraged. "Parental involvement is crucial. You should monitor and regulate his screen usage and model healthy behavior yourself."
"I'll make sure to do that," Mrs. Rao agreed.
"A digital detox can also help," Dr. Sharma added. "Encourage regular breaks from screens to reset habits and reduce dependency. And have educational discussions about the risks of screen addiction and the importance of balance in digital lives."
Mrs. Rao looked determined. "We can work on this together as a family."
Dr. Sharma concluded, "If things don't improve, we can seek further professional help, but these steps should provide a strong foundation."
Mrs. Rao felt a wave of relief. "Thank you so much, Dr. Sharma. I feel like we have a plan now."
As she left the office, Mrs. Rao felt a renewed sense of hope. With clear strategies and a commitment to change, she was ready to tackle the challenges of her son's screen addiction, one step at a time.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment