Technology is everywhere. Even if you try to limit your child’s usage, it can become almost unavoidable as they grow and develop! This article will explore the real impact that technology has on your child’s brain so that you can be aware of potential risks and mitigate these disruptions. From social challenges to sleep difficulties, recognizing the signs of technology overuse and learning how to address them can help keep your child healthy.
In-Person Social Skills
It is not uncommon for children who are avid users of technology to struggle socially. This is because they may not learn the value of silence, how to find entertainment in boredom, or how to form connections with other children in real life. Overuse of technology can also hinder a child’s ability to practice empathy, which may impact their ability to form close bonds and relationships with others.
Interacting in person with other children helps teach body language interpretation and context clues—skills that cannot be fully developed through a screen.
Trouble Falling or Staying Asleep
There are many reasons why your child may struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, some of which may be completely unrelated to technology use. However, if your child uses technology before bed and has difficulty sleeping, it could be a contributing factor. The blue light emitted from screens—such as those on TVs, tablets, and smartphones—can hinder melatonin production, a hormone that helps induce sleep.
Additionally, once they do fall asleep, their overall sleep quality may decline, leading to irritable and groggy mornings. Scientifically, the brain interprets blue light as sunlight, which disrupts the natural circadian rhythm that tells our bodies whether it is day or night. Furthermore, watching an exciting video or playing a stimulating game before bed can increase anxiety and overstimulation, making it harder to wind down. (1)
Anxiety and Mental Health Struggles
Technology overuse affects both children and adults. Those who excessively engage with technology often experience higher levels of anxiety and depression for various reasons. Some studies suggest that this decline in mental well-being may be linked to social media comparison, cyberbullying, and the constant need for virtual validation.
If your child shows signs of seeking external validation and exhibits negative self-reflection as a result, it may be a sign that their technology use should be limited.
Addictive Behaviors
Whether addiction runs in your family or not, excessive technology use can teach your child addictive behaviors. If you’ve ever tried to take away a tablet or screen and been met with an irritable or angry response, it may be a sign that they are becoming dependent on their device.
In such cases, setting boundaries is essential. Consider creating tech-free zones in your home, such as the bedroom or kitchen, to ensure that these spaces are reserved for rest or family activities. Establishing daily screen time limits can also help your child manage their usage while allowing them to prioritize when they want to use their allotted time.
Final Thoughts
Technology overuse can impact your child’s brain in various ways, many of which are still being studied. We hope this article has helped you better understand the effects of overuse, how to identify problematic behavior, and strategies to curb it. If you’re looking for more ways to help your child navigate these challenges, consider reaching out to a professional at Neurobehavioral Associates for support.
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