As increasing numbers of children have access to technology, social media, and online content, parents are expressing concern about signs of screen addiction. Some parents have sought professional help to reduce their children’s screen time, with the use of expensive digital detox programs.
What is "screen addiction" in kids?
“Screen addiction” in kids refers to a compulsive and uncontrolled use of technology, including cell phones, gaming devices, tablets, and other technology. [1]
It is not currently an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, although there is discussion about its need for inclusion. Increasing reports suggest that children are compulsively using screens, resulting in a range of mental, physical, and social consequences. [2]
Criteria for any type of addiction include excessive and/or increasing use, negative consequences on well-being and functioning, and signs of withdrawal when use is stopped. These criteria can be applied to kids to highlight problematic or addictive screen use. [3]
How screen overuse affects children
Research on technology use among children is increasing, although the results are often inconsistent or dependent on numerous factors. For example, factors that influence the impact of online content include age, device type, content types, and the individual’s identity, social skills, and thoughts. [2][4]
Research does indicate, however, that excessive screen use can have the following effects: [2][4]
- Impaired language development as children experience fewer interactions with their parents or caregivers
- Impaired executive function
- Decline in academic performance
- Impaired social and emotional growth
- Increased risks of obesity, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression
- Increased aggression
Why parents are spending big on digital detox programs
Many parents report that they have no control over their child’s screen time, and any rules they try to enforce at home are ineffective or not adhered to. This is causing parents to become increasingly concerned about the effects of screen addiction on their child’s well-being. [1][5]
Statistics compiled by Pew Research Center suggest the following: [5]
- 57% of children aged 11 or 12 own a smartphone, while 29% of 8–10-year-olds own one
- At least 15% of all children under 12 use TikTok, while 37% of 11-12-year-olds use TikTok
- 80% of parents believe social media does children more harm than good
- 42% of parents believe they could be doing better at managing their child’s screen time
Limiting screen time can be challenging, as children often use devices for a range of purposes, including schoolwork, research, gaming, speaking to friends, social media, entertainment, educational material, apps, or hobbies. [4][6] This can mean that parents are unaware of the type and quality of material their child is accessing during screen time.
Furthermore, even when screen time is limited, children might not be safe because online content often has no age restriction in place or utilizes restriction technology that can be easily bypassed, allowing children to access unsuitable content, including sexual or violent content, or unprotected chat sites. [7]
As such, many parents are searching for professional interventions to help reduce their child’s screen time, including detox camps, apps, coaches, or support groups. Various detox camps and retreats are available across the United States, ranging in activities, duration, and cost.
For example, a weekly camp for teenagers can typically range from $1500 to $3000 per week, while a monthly program for this age group may cost over $7000. [8][9]
What the research says about digital detox programs
Digital detox could include attending a program or detox camp in which children spend several days or weeks completely without phones or technology. Digital detox could also be enacted at home, with or without external support. [10][11]
Studies into digital detox practices are increasing, although the results can vary and may depend on several factors, highlighting the need for further research. Digital detox is considered an umbrella term and may encompass anything from complete abstinence from technology to brief breaks from specific social media sites. [10][11]
Studies indicate that digital detox can reduce internet addiction symptoms and improve interpersonal relationships, sleep, life satisfaction, and stress. These outcomes may depend on the type and duration of detox as well as individual circumstances. [10][11]
Alternatives to high-cost digital detox programs
- Parental mediation: This can include offering guidance and explanations, restricting, or supervising screen use. Through these types of mediation, parents can reduce the negative impacts of technology and social media, while simultaneously helping to increase the potential benefits. [6]
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help recognize and change problematic behaviors around technology use, manage triggers and behaviors that precede internet use, and improve any functional or interpersonal issues that have arisen. [2][12]
- Family interventions: Family-based interventions can help reduce screen use by improving family dynamics, interpersonal skills, and communication. A calmer and more supportive home environment may improve parenting strategies and children’s receptiveness to change. [12]
- Time limits: Setting screen time limits or disconnecting devices and the internet for set periods of time can help manage problematic use. [10]
- Distraction or alternative activities: Engaging in physical activity, reading a book, or spending time outdoors and in nature can distract from internet use and provide meaningful and restorative activities. [10]
- Mindful usage: Using devices mindfully and focusing on the purpose, ensuring screen time is beneficial and meaningful, rather than mindless scrolling or watching. [10]
When to seek professional help for your child
Parents may wish to speak with a professional for advice if they notice worsening or problematic behaviors in their child related to screen use, such as: [1][3]
- Decreasing academic abilities and performance
- Impairments in personal or social functioning, including poor self-care or reduced time spent with friends
- Increasing amount of time spent using technology
- Consistently asking for more or better devices, apps, or software
- Changes in mood and behavior, particularly when devices are inaccessible or denied, such as signs of depression, anxiety, aggression, or agitation
- Increasing arguments, lying, or other negative interactions within the home or with peers
- Increasing time spent scrolling social media or obsessing over online content that provides no benefit or positive impact
- Refusal to adhere to any screen time limits set within the home, and lying or trying to hide screen use
These could be signs that the child is experiencing addictive behaviors. If parents are unable to manage this at home, it may be beneficial to seek professional support to help prevent any worsening symptoms or consequences.
Parents can speak with their primary care physician, who can offer advice and referral to appropriate services, or they may wish to search online for digital detox programs or alternatives.
