Mobile devices are fundamentally changing how families go about day to day lives be it doing homework driving or having dinner together said James Steyer founder and CEO of Common Sense
A Pew Research study in 2018 found 45 percent of teens felt social media was neither a positive or negative effect in their lives
Today more reports are coming out of the pandemic finding new research on Smart device addiction and teens A study released this week found a 15 percent increase in those surveyed stating social media makes them feel better when they are stressed depressed or anxious Of those surveyed 26 percent said they find social media very important to get support or advice when depressed
All of this is adding up to more Smartphone addictions and a fear of missing out FOMO FOMO research started in 1996 and shifted toward the phenomenon of social media usage Social media has become a lifestyle with bragging rights When we arent invited to the party of a friend we obsess over why through viewing pictures of who is there taking our place
With 8 to 10 hours sleep needed for a teen studies show an average of 69 hours sleep by the time they enter senior year a 15 hour decrease from sixth grade This segment of the population equates to 69 percent of American teens sleeping less than 7 hours of sleep per night
The Ohio State University conducted a study finding cell phone addiction is linked to an increase in sleep disorders and fatigue especially when used before bedtime With 57 percent of teens not switching off their cell phones at night Family Community Health Journal did a study of where your phone sleeps at night Only 16 percent of people keep their phone in another room at night with one third of teens texting after going to sleep from their bed
According to a study in the American Psychiatric Association and Psychiatry Journal at least four of the following signs may indicate an addiction
A persistent need to login everyday to social media channels
Consistently trying to take apps off with failure
Fear of missing out on what friends or family members are doing
When anxious or depressed you reach for the phone
Losing sense of time because of distractions on the phone
Putting a relationship or job at risk due to cell phone use
Desiring the brand new technology
Withdrawal when cell phone or network is unreachableAnger
Tension
Depression
Irritability and
Restlessness
Psycom an online psychiatric journal recommends a parent asking the following questions to help verify an addiction
Does my teen become angry irritable anxious or even violent when the phone is taken away or unable to be used
Does my teen skip or avoid social events or extracurricular activities to use the smartphone instead
Is my teens personal care hygiene friendships family relationships or school work negatively affected by smartphone use
Does smartphone use interfere with my teens normal sleep routine
Are there any major changes in my teens eating habits that cant otherwise be explained
Are there any major changes in mood that cant otherwise be explained
If you find yourself still having sleep troubles after trying these tips it could be a sign of a sleep disorder If you would like to talk with a sleep specialist about your sleep issues contact The Alaska Sleep Clinic for a free 10 minute phone consultation and let us help you decide if a sleep study may be right for you
