"Digital addiction" is a hot topic in the news right now. Apple's shareholders have even asked the tech giant to find a solution to this growing problem in kids and teens. As a parent, I often wonder, "how much is too much?" and if my own technology use affects my kids' habits.
The five articles below explain "digital addiction" and explore if we should be worried about it and how to help our kids, and ourselves, put down technology and reconnect with the real world.
You can read these articles using CPL's Online Resources, but I've also noted if an article is available freely on the web.
"Large Shareholders Ask Apple To Help Wean Digital-Addicted Youths" by Bill Chappell
The Two-Way blog, NPR, January 8, 2018 (also available on the NPR website)
Two of Apple's largest investors asked the company to implement more parental controls and investigate the effects of technology use on kids and teens.
"Is Your Child's Use of Electronics an Addiction or a Bad Habit?" by Andrea Guthmann
Chicago Tribune, July 20, 2017 (also available on the Chicago Tribune website)
This article discusses what parents should look for in their child's behavior and how can they monitor their screen time.
"We Need to Talk About Kids and Smartphones" by Markham Heid
Time, November 6, 2017 (also available on the Time website)
Learn about the research around teen smartphone use and depression rates—and what parents can do to help their teens.
"Why Calling Screen Time 'Digital Heroin' Is Digital Garbage" by Rachel Becker
The Verge, August 30, 2016
Is "digital addiction" really a problem? One journalist decides to find out.
"Are You Addicted to Your Phone? ... Not to Mention Video Games?" by Julie Scharper
Scholastic Choices, February 2018
Written for students in seventh through 12th grades, this article looks at how apps and games are designed to create addiction and offers ways to disconnect.
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