Teens can become overly dependent on their phones, and many teens use phones to avoid real life. Setting rules for phone use is an important part of the parenting process. Sometimes, establishing phone limitations and following through with consequences can be incredibly overwhelming for parents. Fortunately, places like Venture Academy offer electronic addiction treatment programs specifically designed for teens.
Setting Rules For Phone Use With Teens
There comes a time in most parents’ lives when they decide it is acceptable for their child to have a phone. While phones can provide parents with a sense of safety and security for their teens, it can also lead to significant long-term issues, such as phone dependency and social isolation. Setting rules for phone use with teens is an important first step to help prevent electronic dependency. Each family will have a unique set of phone rules. Some parents may insist that everyone turn off their phones in the house or just during mealtime and family time.
Do not forget to lead by example, and do not incessantly text them to check on them. This only encourages them to use their phone more. If your child begins to show signs of addiction, take the phone away. Some families do not allow children to have a phone until they can pay for their own phone and data package. A job helps to reduce the time they have to spend on the phone or playing video games. A critical time to keep phones out of the hands of children is at night. Many parents do not allow phones in the bedroom at night. Be sure to offer alternative activities that will keep them away from their phone and screens, such as chores, volunteering and extracurricular activities.
Avoid The Dangers Of Electronic Addiction By Setting Rules For Phone Use
The potential dangers of electronic dependency are nearly endless. The biggest concerns are often associated with mental and physical health, brain development, social well-being and academics. All of these aspects can directly impact their opportunities to succeed as an adult. It is important to look for the warning signs of phone dependency, which are similar to substance abuse addiction.
You might notice your child beginning to withdraw from their favourite activities and real-life friends. They might become excessively volatile or irritable when you take their phone away. You might also find your child lying and deceiving their way into using their phone again. This type of dependency can become a dangerous issue when it affects their sleep and leads to depression. Studies show that the more time teens spend away from their phones and electronics the better it is for their mental and physical health.
Setting Rules For Phone Use Helps Avoid Electronic Addiction
Establishing phone limitations may not be successful with each child. The good news is that phone dependency and treatments for electronic addiction are highly effective and widely available today. The best treatment programs customize a plan based on the specific needs of your child. Some treatments will focus on psychology and behavioural approaches, such as mental interviewing, reality therapy, family therapy and counselling. In other cases, medication may be necessary to help sever the dependency and to treat mental health concerns. And some treatments may be as simple as a third party managing the use of phone time and phone behaviour. Some teens may only require greater restrictions whereas other teens may require treatment from professionals. Each case will be unique.
Establishing and following through with phone limitations can be highly challenging for parents. You do not have to do it alone. Call us today at 866.762.2211 if you simply want a bit of extra support or if you fear your teen’s phone use has escalated into a problem.