# data[].attributes.body
Most phone apps are designed to keep users coming back again and again to establish social interactions. Using these apps releases a brain chemical called dopamine. It is a neurotransmitter responsible for a person's reactions and emotions toward specific situations.

# data[].attributes.body
It's also appropriate to put limits on the amount of time your teen uses their phone. You could make family rules, like no phones at the dinner table. You can also use apps to help your teen learn how to manage their time. These can track your teen's usage and block distracting sites after a set amount of time.

# data[].attributes.headline
As you can see, Smartphone is the Worst of it

# data[].attributes.subject
As you can see, Smartphone is the Worst of it

# data[].attributes.body
Teen shows signs of depression the more they are on their phone. Teen becomes obsessed with selfies and their social feels. Teen is having sleep problems. Teen's grades drop, due to reduced time for studying or homework.

# data[].attributes.headline
How do you avoid dealing with the effects? 

# data[].attributes.subject
How do you avoid dealing with the effects? 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teenage Cell Phone Addiction Symptoms & Treatment Solutions | PsychGuides.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teens are very susceptible to developing an addiction to their smartphones and/or social media. Learn more about causes, symptoms and treatment on PsychGuides.com.

# data[].attributes.headline
In what way are their exactly addicted? 

# data[].attributes.subject
In what way are their exactly addicted? 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Parents of teens today are very familiar with the sight of their teen's face bathed in the blue light coming from a cell phone, computer, or television screen. Technology today is everywhere, and many teens have near constant access to it. And while parents may worry about the amount of time their teen spends on their cell phone, when does the amount of time begin to become a real problem?

Cell Phone Addiction in Teens

A 2016 study found that 50 percent of teens "feel addicted" to mobile devices, while 59 percent of parents surveyed believe that kids are addicted to their devices. This survey also showed that 72 percent of teens and 48 percent of parents feel the need to immediately respond to texts, social-networking messages, and other notifications; 69 percent of parents and 78 percent of teens check their devices at least hourly.

One of the ways cell phones create an addictive feedback loop is through the apps that teens download. Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, games, and even text messages give users a little jolt of dopamine every time they receive a "like", comment, or message. This dose of "happy hormone" encourages teens to come back again and again to get that feeling, and as a result, they begin to need more of those interactions to get back to the equivalent of that initial jolt.

Signs and symptoms of cell phone addiction may include: continued excessive use despite negative effects in their life, withdrawing from family or shared events in favor of cell phone use, impulsive, frequent checking of their phone, insomnia or sleep deprivation due to excessive use, anxiety, and depression.

We understand that in today's world, teens use their cell phones for a variety of reasons, both recreational and academic, so it can help to focus less on counting the minutes of use, and focus instead on how they are using their phone. It is important to teach them how to have a healthy balance in their cell phone use. To do that, parents must first understand how their teen is using their phone and what purpose it serves them. If your teen is spending hours on social media platforms or gaming, speak with them about how their behaviors are negatively affecting their lives. For example, if they are staying up late on their phone chatting, they may wake up tired and be unable to perform during the school day or in their extracurricular activities. You can also help them to create healthy boundaries around their phone use, but if they are unable to stay within these boundaries, it may be time to seek out professional help.

Solstice RTC Can Help

Solstice RTC helps teen students with a variety of issues. We often treat students struggling with challenges related to past traumas, loss, and attachment issues. Our goal is to equip them with the tools needed to lead happy, successful lives. We provide a nurturing and welcoming environment for teenage students and help them recognize that they are on the cusp of something wonderful: the chance to heal from their past and become the best version of themselves. For more information please call (866) 278-3345.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Are Teens Addicted to Cell Phones? - Solstice RTC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Parents of teens today are very familiar with the sight of their teen's face bathed in the blue light coming from a cell phone, computer, or television screen. Technology today is everywhere, and many teens have near constant access to it. And while parents may worry about the amount of time their teen spends on [...]

# data[].attributes.headline
Reasons how they could be addicted to their phones 

# data[].attributes.subject
Reasons how they could be addicted to their phones 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Cell phones are a vital part of the teenage social landscape. In fact, research shows that around 95% of teens have access to a smartphone. From keeping up with friends on Snapchat and group messaging to requirements to use school-related apps, calculator functions, and topical websites, teens can't seem to get a break from their devices. But what happens when casual phone use becomes less casual?

Learn more about the signs that your teen has a phone addiction, the link between phone use and mental health issues, and what parents can do to help.

What Is Phone Addiction?

Smartphone addiction, which can also be thought of as a fear of being without a connection to the Internet or cellular service, has been connected to many mental health concerns. But despite a well-established link between phone addiction and depression, anxiety, and loneliness, until recently it's been a chicken-and-egg problem.

Do phones cause these symptoms, or are people with these symptoms more likely to become dependent on their phones? Either way, it's clear from significant research how important it is to have common sense screen time limits in place for your teen to help prevent or manage these symptoms. And to help them cope with any mental concerns that come up.

Smartphone Use and Mental Health

A new study from researchers at the University of Arizona explored the connection between smartphone use and mental health with a group of 18 to 20-year-olds. This age group, termed "older adolescents" by researchers, is important because they are among the first to have grown up with smart technology readily available. The first iPhone wasn't released until 2007.

When conducting the study, the research team focused on dependence, or a person's psychological reliance on the device, not general usage. Subjects answered questions such as "I panic when I can't use my smartphone," as well as questions designed to measure loneliness and depression on a four-point scale. From that, researchers were able to determine that phone addiction is indeed a predictor for depressive symptoms.

"The main takeaway is that smartphone dependency directly predicts later depressive symptoms," said Matthew Lapierre, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Arizona, in a press release for the study. "There's an issue where people are entirely too reliant on the device, in terms of feeling anxious if they don't have it accessible, and they're using it to the detriment of their day-to-day life."

The risks device addiction pose for teens are becoming more clear. However, it can be difficult for parents to determine if their child is engaging in typical, casual phone use or if they have developed a psychological dependence on their phone. Educational consultant Monique Hicks, CAPSW, suggests parents watch for warning signs that their child's phone use has moved beyond typical use into a more problematic dynamic.

Signs of Phone Addiction

Common signs of phone addiction in teens include the following:

Always keeping their phone on and with them

Changes in behavior

Difficulty with emotional regulation

Extreme reactions when separated from their device

Impatience, irritability, restlessness, inability to focus in school when separated from their phone

Increased social challenges

Sleep disturbances

Spending more and more time on their phone

Switching between multiple devices and programs (social networking, texting, gaming, etc.)

How Parents Can Help

While taking devices away completely may be tempting, monitoring and adapting usage might be a better option. Both Google/Android and iPhone platforms provide options to help families balance phone usage. Google Digital Wellness and Screen Time for iPhone show real-time data for device usage and provide tools for limiting phone use. Similarly, Android Family Link allows parents to remotely monitor phone and app usage, set screen-time limits, and even lock devices for set amounts of time.

Beyond physical restriction, providing a good example of healthy phone usage is important. Parents should be mindful of the amount of time we spend on our own phones and be role models for moderation. If our phones are in our hands every spare moment, our kids will follow suit.

Spending time together, one-on-one without the distraction of screens is also important in helping kids foster healthy relationships outside of tech. Encouraging creative outlets, exercise, in-person socializing, and hands-on activities are an integral part of maintaining a healthy balance.

The Bottom Line

Smartphone apps, social media, gaming, and other online activities are built around encouraging nonstop use. And teen brains often aren't equipped to regulate their own use in a healthy way without parental limits. So, it's important for caregivers to step in to help them learn this important skill.

If you feel like your child might have a phone addiction or is showing signs of depression or anxiety, reach out to your healthcare or mental healthcare provider for suggestions on how to help them learn healthy coping strategies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Studies show teens are more likely to show signs of depression if they are addicted to their cell phone. Here are the signs to look for and how parents can help.

# data[].attributes.headline
Teens are starting to think their addicted themselves. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Teens are starting to think their addicted themselves. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Half of teens think they're addicted to their smartphones | CNN

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A new poll conducted for Common Sense Media finds that teens - and many of their parents - have a hard time unplugging from their mobile devices.