Plugged-In, Can’t Log-Out: Technology Addiction

As the world becomes more digitally connected, technology addiction continues to become a real issue, especially among teens. Just last year, Pew Research Center released a report of its findings on teen technology usage. Research concluded that 92 percent of teens use the internet daily, which includes 24 percent that say they are online virtually constantly.

technology addiction

Photo credit: flickr user – David Vespoli

Is technology addiction really an addiction?

Let’s look at the definition of addiction. From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, addiction is “a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble).” From this definition, yes, technology addiction is very real. An example of this would be texting and driving; the need to check your phone is overwhelming your knowledge that it’s dangerous to do it and drive at the same time.
Though it is still being debated on whether to add “Internet/Technology Addiction” to DSM-V, the glaring symptoms don’t go away on their own. Teens are struggling, even if it’s not official, and it has something to do with overusing technology.

What a parent can do

Create No-Tech Zones: This could start off as something as simple as no technology during dinner. Then bump it up to no technology in the car. Just use good judgement. Don’t go overboard and try to make everywhere a tech-free zone, just start off small and move from there.
Talk to Your Teen: Try to engage your teen. Ask how they’re doing, what they’re interested in, and how they’re feeling. Try to be casual about it, not overbearing. Getting them talking is time that they’re not focused on their devices.
Be a Role Model: If you tell your teen their phone too much and then you spend a ton of time on your phone in front of them, what does it make them think? Hypocrite. In order to really drive home that they shouldn’t be so obsessed with their technology is practicing what you preach.

Trails Carolina is here to help

Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy program for struggling teens, ages 10-17. We strive to help our students through issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, technology addiction, and much more.
For more information about Trails Carolina, please call 800-975-7303 today!

Avatar of Graham Shannonhouse

Graham Shannonhouse

Get started today

Contact us today to learn how Trails Carolina can help your family

Contact Us LP

Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.

Margot Lowman August 2022

Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.

Winnifred Wilson July 2022

 

Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.

Kristin Brace June 2022

 

Discover If Trails Is The Right Program For Your Child

Take our short online assessment and help us better understand how we can help your family.

A teen stands at the meeting point of two trails in the forest, one leading higher towards the light and one leading down into darkness

Top 5 Common Myths About Wilderness Therapy For Youth: Understanding The History and Today’s Reality

Today, families have access to supportive, safe, and nurturing therapeutic treatment programs. Modern wilderness therapy programs, like Trails Carolina, are far from the punitive boot camps they are often portrayed as. 
A red-headed young woman sits on a hilltop overlooking forested mountains in front of her.

Treatment For Anxiety In Teens: How Wilderness Therapy Can Help

At Trails Carolina, we will give your child the skills to manage anxiety in real-time as soon as they arrive on our campus. They will very quickly gain a sense of belonging at Trails because of the sense of community that naturally occurs with the other students who are dealing with the common struggles of learning to manage adolescent anxiety.
A teen boy in a beanie and a sweatshirt glowers at the viewer in the woods.

Dealing with Defiance: Six Tips for Decreasing Defiant Behavior

Most parents know what is like to live with a defiant teenager. Teens often feel inclined to push buttons and test the limits enforced upon them. This can be extremely frustrating for parents and create a constant power struggle within the home. The teenage years are when one is trying to figure out where they…
family reuniting - trails carolina reviews
Trails Carolina’s wilderness camps for troubled teens are dedicated to helping teens work through behavioral or emotional difficulties, build trusting relationships with their family and peers, and achieve academic success.