Navigating Boundaries for Your Preteen’s Phone Usage
We all know the dangers of extensive use of screens. Don’t miss the importance of knowing what your preteen is doing when they are online. This phase marks a crucial period in their brain’s development, shaping the trajectory of their relationships and identity. To guide them effectively, you need insight into the content displayed on that screen.
The Pitfalls of Overindulgence
Technology itself is not the ultimate adversary; it’s the lack of moderation that poses a challenge. Teenagers are dedicating 44.5 hours per week to their phones or tablets. That is a full time job, literally! This excessive screen time comes at the expense of essential life skills development in areas such as social skills, time management, physical well-being, problem-solving, and distress tolerance.
The Impact of Unfiltered Content
Technology also exposes preteens, teenagers, and young adults to a Pandora’s box of content. Whether it’s violence, nudity, or explicit acts, once seen, it cannot be unseen. YouTube, a widely used platform, often becomes a gateway to various content. As parents, understanding the channels your teens follow becomes paramount.
By the age of 14, statistics show that two out of three boys in America have encountered pornography, intentionally or accidentally, primarily through their cell phones. Preventing such exposure is challenging, but steps can be taken to mitigate risks.
Setting Boundaries and Why It’s Essential
Taking away a teenager’s phone can trigger intense reactions, ranging from tears to parents prying the phone away. This dependence on phones for social status, entertainment, and self-soothing is prevalent in today’s generation. If not cultivated, alternate coping mechanisms may remain underdeveloped.
Addressing this issue involves having an open conversation about anxiety attacks and phone addiction. Working collaboratively to build tolerance to being without a device is key. Enforcing technology boundaries can be aided by various apps available on the App Store. While no system is foolproof, prevention is more effective than intervention.
Introducing “Freedom Versus Responsibility”
As your teen demonstrates responsibility, gradually relinquish freedom. Recognize that once certain freedoms are granted, retracting them becomes challenging. Keeping teens engaged in other activities can help curb technology addiction. Additionally, promoting exercise, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet contributes to improved mood and reduced reliance on digital escapes.
Nothing surpasses open discussions with your teenagers about your concerns or leading by example in your own relationship with technology. Emphasizing good technology habits from the outset can prevent complications down the road. Share this insight with fellow parents to collectively instill healthy technology boundaries early on.
- Lepp A, Barkley JE, Karpinski AC. The relationship between cell phone use, academic performance, anxiety, and satisfaction with life in college students. Computers in Human Behavior. 2014;31:343-350. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2013.10.049
- NIDA for Teens. Teens and “nomophobia”: cell phone separation anxiety.
- Khan, MD, PhD, Mohamed K. “Emotional and Behavioral Effects, Including Addictive Potential, of Video Games.” Report Of The Council On Science And Public Health CSAPH Report 12-A-07. 2007.
- American Psychiatric Association, News Release: Statement of the American Psychiatric Association on “Video Game Addiction.”
