Addiction. Its a strong word. Yet you hear, Kids are so addicted to screens often. But are they? Are screens a real addiction or just an excessive hobby? The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) notes that addiction is characterized by an inability to abstain from something that may cause, Impairment in behavioral control or cravings plus may cause significant problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships. ASAM also says that addiction is a chronic brain disorder, not simply a behavioral problem. The American Psychological Association (APA) says that an addicted individual may experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when the addiction is taken away. APA states that dependence is the first stage while later tolerance comes into play, forcing someone to consume larger doses of their addiction of choice to get the same effect. This is some pretty hefty stuff, which begs the question, how can screen time be a true addiction for kids? Its not like kids are buying screens on street corners -- and thus far theres some, but not much research showing that you have an actual brain disorder if you check Facebook too often. Still, anyone who has met kids who are really, really into screens, knows that these kids do exhibit some key signs of addiction. - See more at: inhabitots/technology-and-kids-startling-statistics-about-addiction-to-iphones-screens-that-every-parent-should-know/#sthash.C7Vwf7yl.dpuf
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 02:09:05 +0000