Almost every one of us, as parents, has moments when we use a phone, laptop, or tablet just to occupy our child for a moment and have some peace. The reasons vary—sometimes we don't feel well, we need to work, or we just need a moment for ourselves. The list goes on. We don't always have someone to help, and this seems like our only lifeline.
It Starts with a Few Minutes, and Before You Know It, You Lose Control
Unfortunately, as many psychologists point out, it starts with just one time. Then there’s another, and another, and soon, our child gets the phone more often and uses it for longer periods. They no longer enjoy drawing, building Lego sets, reading books, playing with cars or dolls - the only thing that calms them and brings them joy is the phone. It's hard to notice the moment when the boundaries are crossed, and our child becomes addicted.
How Does a Child Addicted to Their Phone Behave?
Many parents deny this. They claim their child just uses the phone occasionally, nothing more. But try suddenly taking the phone away or not giving them a charger. That’s when the drama begins. A video posted on Facebook by The Faceless Millennial profile perfectly illustrates this. A young child falls into a full-blown tantrum. The emotions that take over are uncontrollable. The child can’t manage their aggression and anger. However, what many online viewers have noted is the parent's behavior in the video—it leaves much to be desired. Instead of recording, the child needs support and care in such a state. Also, the laughter heard in the background may have further aggravated the child's distress. This situation is disturbing, both in terms of the addiction's severity and the lack of help from the parent.
Unfortunately, such situations are becoming more frequent. Rather than dismissing the issue, the child needs help, preferably from a specialist. It's important to observe how the child behaves. The most common signs of phone addiction include:
- Constantly having the phone with them,
- Grabbing the phone without a clear reason, even every few minutes,
- Using the phone during school activities and breaks,
- Using the phone at night,
- Neglecting previous responsibilities,
- Declining grades,
- Increased irritability,
- Loss of peer relationships,
- Worsening relationships with parents.
