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Are Digital Devices Altering Our Brains?Some say our gadgets and computers can help improve intelligence. Others say they make us stupid and violent. Which is it?

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Are Digital Devices Altering Our Brains?Some say our gadgets and computers can help improve intelligence. Others say they make us stupid and violent. Which is it?

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Are Digital Devices Altering Our Brains?

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Some say our gadgets and computers can help improve intelligence. Others say they make us stupid and violent. Which is it?

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Social Media, Social Life: Teens Reveal Their Experiences (2018)

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Social Media, Social Life: Teens Reveal Their Experiences (2018)

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For most people nowadays, their smartphone is within arm's reach 24 hours a day. It's in their pocket while they're at work, it's in their hand on the train ride home and it's on their bedside table as they go to sleep. With this level of proximity and usage, many can't quite shake the niggling feeling that they might be risking damage to themselves in the long run. While conclusive longitudinal research on the effects of cell phone radiation is still hard to come by, for those looking to hedge their bets, this infographic shows the phones that emit the most radiation when held to the ear while calling.

The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz) has a comprehensive database of smartphones - new and old - and the level of radiation they emit. Following the criteria set for this chart (see footnotes), the current smartphone creating the highest level of radiation is the Mi A1 from Chinese vendor Xiaomi. In fact, the top list is dominated by handsets made by Chinese companies, with Xiaomi, OnePlus, Huawei and ZTE accounting for 12 of the 15 phones with the largest values. It must be said though, that premium Apple phones such as the iPhone 7 and the recently released iPhone 8 are also here to be seen.

While there is no universal guideline for a 'safe' level of phone radiation, the German certification for environmental friendliness 'Der Blaue Engel' (Blue Angel) only certifies phones which have a specific absorption rate of less than 0.60 watts per kilogram. All of the phones featured here come in at more than double this benchmark.

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Infographic: The Phones Emitting the Most Radiation

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For most people nowadays, their smartphone is within arm's reach 24 hours a day. It's in their pocket while they're at work, it's in their hand on the train ride home and it's on their bedside table as they go to sleep.

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Light-Emitting E-Readers Before Bedtime Can Adversely Impact Sleep

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Light-Emitting E-Readers Before Bedtime Can Adversely Impact Sleep

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BWH Press Release - Brigham and Women's Hospital

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View recent and archived press releases from Brigham and Women's Hospital.

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Technology destroys people and places. I’m rejecting it

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Technology destroys people and places. I’m rejecting it

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Technology destroys people and places. I’m rejecting it | Mark Boyle

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From Wednesday, I’m going to live without my laptop, internet, phone, washing machine or television. I want my life back. I want my soul back

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Is Your Child a Phone ‘Addict’? (Published 2018)

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Parents can have difficulty distinguishing phone abuse from appropriate use.

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Parents’ Smartphone Addiction Linked to Children’s Behavioral Problems, Study Shows

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Parents’ Smartphone Addiction Linked to Children’s Behavioral Problems, Study Shows

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A study shows that parents who cannot put their phones down tend to raise children who cannot behave.

The study by researchers at the University of Michigan and Illinois State University, published in Nature, followed 183 sets of parents. Of the participants, 40 percent of mothers and 32 percent of the fathers said they were too wrapped up in their devices.

Parents who frequently check messages, send texts, scan social media-basically, people who cannot look away from their phones-don't pay enough attention to their children, the study revealed.

The children are not ignored-in fact, in terms of time of interaction, it would seem the parents are very involved in their children's lives.

What the study found was that these parents spend short amounts of time, and small amounts of attention. They alternate back and forth between websites, texts, emails, phone calls, and children, giving a shallow survey to each.

In some cases, the parents pop in the ear buds and wait for visual cues to pay attention to their children. In other cases, parents simply add the children into the rotation-Facebook, Instagram, children, text, phone call, children-with no one source getting more than cursory care.

The six-month study found that mothers using devices had more impact on their children's behavior than the fathers, the Telegraph reported, most likely because mothers played a greater role in child-rearing, particularly when the children were young.

This situation was dubbed "technoference," where an electronic device interrupted or modulated interaction between parents and children.

The outcome was that the children would be more prone to sulking, whining, throwing tantrums, hyperactivity, or getting frustrated easily. The children either felt a need to act out more to get more attention, turned inward to find what they could not get from their parents, or felt that they had no constraints and acted willfully.

The study also found that the behavior of both parents and children formed a feedback loop. As the parents paid less attention to the children, the children would act out more. In response, the parents sometimes turned more readily to the safe haven of their electronic devices, according to the article in Nature.

The Danger of Devices at Dinner

Michigan University's Dr. Jenny Radesky conducted a study in May 2017, of how families interacted during mealtime. Videos of 225 sets of parents eating with their children showed a shar drop in effective parenting when the mother had her phone out.

Verbal interactions dropped by a fifth, the Telegraph reported, while nonverbal communication fell almost twice as much. The frequency with which mothers offered verbal encouragement to their children dropped 28 percent.

Health officials said that speech and language development might be adversely affected by parents spending too much time communicating or reading online instead of with their children.

Michelle Morris, a speech and language therapists and a consultant at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, told the Telegraph, "You go around Manchester and Salford and see unbelievable attempts by children to communicate with the adult they are with but who is oblivious to them because they have headphones on. I find it very distressing."

"If you are walking down a street and listening to music, you can't really pay attention to what your child is doing. Unless the child says something very loudly or pulls on the adult, there's no chance to communicate," she continued.

"The attempt to communicate goes unrewarded and the child could, in time, learn that there's no point in talking. For little children, it is these multiple interactions with an adult through which it learns language and how to speak," she said.
Watch Next:

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Parents' Smartphone Addiction Linked to Children's Behavioral Problems, Study Shows

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A study shows that parents who cannot put their phones down tend to raise children who cannot behave. The study by researchers at the University of Michigan and Illinois State University, published in Nature, followed 183 sets of parents. Of the participants, 40 percent of mothers and 32 percent of the fathers said they were ...

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Sleeping Close to Cell Phones Causes Cancers & Infertility

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Sleeping Close to Cell Phones Causes Cancers & Infertility

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40% of deaths prevented by quitting smoking, eating healthier, boozing less
Father-of-two claims his tumour went into remission after going on vegatables
The California Department of Health, United States (U.S.), warned that people need to keep their cell phones several feet away from them to reduce radiation exposure and health risks.

California released guidance for reducing exposure to cell phone radiation on Thursday, amid mounting evidence that cell phone use may be linked to cancer, attention, mental health and reproductive health issues.

Cell phones transmit information using low frequency radio signals, which may expose us to unhealthy radiation, especially when streaming or downloading large files.

Research has not been able to prove definitively that cell phone radiation is dangerous, but there have been enough studies linking the two to warrant caution, especially for children, according to the health department press release.

The statewide notice comes after several cities, including Berkeley and San Francisco, issued local warnings that their citizens should make some distance between their phones and their bodies.

The radiofrequency (RF) energy cell phones use to transmit information are at the bottom of the radiation totem poll, but research suggests that our frequent, close-range exposure to cell phones may be enough to endanger us.

Meanwhile, new research has concluded that nearly 40 per cent of cancer deaths could be prevented with eight simple lifestyle changes.

Quitting smoking, eating healthier and boozing less would help stop the disease, which claims 8.2 million lives worldwide each year.

Scientists suggest those three habits can be blamed for 30.4 per cent of all cancer deaths, around 2.5 million - with tobacco proving the biggest burden.

Five other habits, including excessive Ultra Violet (U.V.) radiation, obesity and not exercising enough can be blamed for a further 14.4 per cent of deaths - 1.2 million lives.

Also, a father-of-two who was given weeks to live has revealed he beat stage 4 colorectal cancer after switching to a vegan diet.

Rob Mooberry, now 43, told Daily Mail UK Online he was hospitalized with a perforated colon in July 2012, and scans revealed he had cancer which had spread to his bowels, lymph nodes and liver.

Doctors said the Las Vegas bartender would need a colostomy bag put in, followed by an ileostomy, then two bouts of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

However, after the surgeries and the first round, with his cancer downgraded to stage 3A, he said he couldn't take it any more and needed some time to detox his body of the chemicals before starting more treatment.

In November 2012, he started a plant-based diet, alkaline diet - akin to that of Tom Brady - with his vegetarian wife Amanda, now 39, following research that showed sugars and processed foods fueled tumors.

When it came to his next scan in early 2013, the cancer had shrunk by almost 80 percent.

Now he is celebrating five years cancer-free, raising 20-month-old twins, and running a small cancer charity on the side of his bar-tending to help other sufferers afford pipe dreams - and his story has gone viral, after it was tweeted by country star Tim McGraw.

"Keeping a phone directly on the body has never been a good idea," says Dr. Devra Davis of the Environmental Health Trust.

In fact, cell phone makers themselves seem to agree. Apple, for example, includes an 'RF exposure' notice in the iPhone's settings.

The notice explains that the iPhone's RF emissions were tested at 5 mm - about the thickness of a fine point pen - from the body, and fall within the US standards of safety.

But it also includes advice for reducing exposure - not unlike California's new guidance - by using speakerphone or hands free accessories.

"Most people are not aware that there is a clear warning to keep the phone off the body embedded in the phone," says Davis.

This is particularly worrisome because most parents aren't aware of these warnings are not managing their children's exposure to phones.

The California guidance notes that RF may more easily penetrate the brain matter of children than that of adults. The exposure may also be more damaging and have more lasting effects on the developing brain.

Studies have shown evidence that cell phone exposure may cause tumors in the brain or ears, where the body is frequently in contact with the device.

Though research on RF's effects on children specifically is fairly scarce, many psychologists have already warned that cell phone use may be linked to poorer attention, mental health and sleep for adolescents.

Less than a week ago, France banned cell phones from primary and middle schools. Though the ban's goal was primarily related to mental health, it has drawn praise from experts worried about radiation exposure.

The country has also been at the forefront of research on the physical health effects of cell phone exposure.

"The French have tested the phones the way they are used" - touching the body - "and RF exposure exceeds the French standards by four more times, and apply that to the US standards, and it's even much more than that - about seven times [the recommended levels]," says Davis.

Other research has shown strong links between RF and male sperm counts and sperm quality.

Studies in multiple countries "have show that men who keep phone in their pockets the longest have lowest sperm count, with most damage," says Davis.

"Many people keep their phones in their pockets for hours a day, esp in the summer with thinner exposures will be far greater," she adds.

Contemporary cell phone signals use 'the weakest signals, but strength of the signals is not issue when comes to biological effect.' It's not the power, it's the irregular nature of signal.'

The California guidelines address this by explaining that the most dangerous exposures happen when there are surges of RF energy. This happens when, essentially, the technology has to work harder to transmit information.

The state warns against close contact when phones have two or fewer bars of signal, when you're in a moving car, or if you are trying to receive or send large quantities of data by streaming or downloading media.

Californians, the release advises, should use headsets, sleep with their phones away from them (not under pillows or on nightstands) and carry them in a bag, instead of in a pocket, bra or belt holster.

"The advice is welcome, and long overdue," says Davis.

"California has a tradition of protecting public health, and we think this has been a long time coming," she adds.

Researchers at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, said the total amount is greater than 38 per cent because many deaths involved two factors.

Even 'small improvements' would help reduce the risk of dying prematurely from cancer, the Australian researchers claimed.

Their findings, which also highlighted irresponsible sun tanning as a cause, were derived from an analysis of the country's cancer deaths.

Figures showed 44,000 Australians died from the umbrella of diseases in 2013 - of which 38 per cent were deemed preventable.

Obesity and infections were responsible for five per cent of the deaths while not exercising enough was blamed for 0.8 per cent.

Dr. David Whiteman, lead researcher of the study published in the International Journal of Cancer, found that the bad habits fueled 41 per cent of cancer deaths in men and 34 per cent in women.

He said, "this is because men smoke and drink more, spend more time in the sun and don't eat as well", ScienceAlert reports.

The researchers concluded that the following eight habits are responsible for 38 per cent of cancer deaths.

Researchers at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, said the total amount is greater than 38 per cent because many deaths involved two factors.

"While in many cases cancer is tragically unavoidable, this study highlights what we've known for years: cancer isn't always a matter of genetics or bad luck."

Whiteman added: "There is a lot people can do to reduce their risk of developing and dying from cancer.

"Even small improvements in these areas would substantially reduce the number of people who die prematurely from cancer each year."

The new findings back up research earlier this year which revealed the remaining two thirds of cancer cases can be blamed on DNA errors.

The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center study contradicted widespread belief that the disease is usually inherited or triggered by an unhealthy lifestyle.

Cancers triggered by copying errors could occur 'no matter how perfect the environment', the researchers warned in March.

The findings explained why cancer can often strike people who follow all of the rules of healthy living and have no family history of the disease.

Tobacco and alcohol have long been at the centre of strict regulation due to their substantial links to cancer and heart disease.

And an emerging body of evidence has shown poor diets, not exercising enough and obesity are fueling rates of cancer.

Speaking to Daily Mail Online, Rob admitted he was slightly overwhelmed at being tipped as a vegan advocate. "I'm not standing on my soap box saying everyone needs to go plant-based and vegan,' he insisted. 'But if you're going to ask me what worked for me, I'll tell you: this diet."

When Rob was diagnosed he was shocked, having no family history of cancer and already living a healthy lifestyle of running regularly and eating a lean protein diet.

"I couldn't believe it,' he told Daily Mail Online. 'I was always a healthy person, I didn't expect it."

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Sleeping close to cell phone causes cancer, infertility

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40% of deaths prevented by quitting smoking, eating healthier, boozing less Father-of-two claims his tumour went into remission after going on vegatables The California Department of Health, United States (U.S.), warned that people need to keep their cell phones several feet away from them to reduce radiation exposure and health risks.

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A fact sheet that outlines the available evidence regarding use of cellular/mobile telephones and cancer risk.

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Teaching manners used to be a fairly straightforward, top-down parenting activity at the table. Parents told their kids not to talk with their mouths full, to keep elbows off the table, and to stay seated until everyone had finished eating. Parents knew the rules and imparted them. But today's parents have a whole new set of table manners to grapple with-those associated with technology. And, according to our survey data, this is a dicey area, where what's good for the gosling turns out not to be so good for the goose.

Many parents have two sets of standards for technology rules at the table. According to our Digital Family survey responses of over 300 parents, only 18% of them allow their children to use technology at the dinner table, while almost twice that number of parents believe that is OK for them to use their phones and screens at the table.

But, rather than get into a lather about whether technology at the table is an unavoidable fact of life or the ruin of family life, let's just take one step back. After all the table manners that really matter are the ones that help us connect with one another at the table. That's why reprimanding kids to keep their elbows off the table seems much less important than insisting on no interrupting when someone is speaking. If we look at the use of technology through this lens perhaps we can offer a more nuanced perspective:

When technology at the table competes with conversation or makes us feel that we don't have the full attention when we speak, technology has no place at the table. But, what about the times that technology enhances connection? 'Hey, look at this photo from class today?' Or, 'I want to read you a funny text I got from your aunt'. In other words, if technology can be shared at the table, perhaps it has a place. Maybe just a small place.

Do as I say, and do as I do. In other words try to model the same technology manners that you expect your children to follow. If for example, you adhere to a 'no technology' policy, then agree to keep digital devices on silent mode and out of the kitchen during mealtime. It's going to be hard for a teen to resist checking if a beep or a ding indicates that a message has just come in. But if you all agree on the policy, you should all stick to it.

As a family, decide on the rules for technology use at the table. Perhaps, everyone can check their smart phones at the door or put them in cabinet or in a basket. Or instead, your family may decide to reserve the right to use search functions to settle disputes that arise at the table.

As in many areas of modern life, our use of technology far outstrips our scientific understanding of it. There may be some good reasons to use tech at the table. Some might argue that playing a video game at the table could encourage conversations or that being able to share an interesting email could quickly bring your family up to speed on a conflict you're having with a colleague. Maybe, when adolescents are allowed to use technology at the table, they are more likely to share doubts they have about what they are sharing on Facebook. What about the benefits of Skyping during a meal with grandparents who live across the country?

However, we can't ignore the possible downsides either. While there isn't too much research to draw on about long-term effects of texting at the dinner table, there are several studies about another screen at the table-TV. TV-watching during dinner, which occurs at about half of American dinner tables, is associated with greater caloric intake and lower consumption of eating fruits and vegetables. We tend to eat more while watching TV because we pay less attention to satiety cues.

We don't have enough data yet to answer the question of how the impact of smaller screens plays out at the table, but there is no substitute for the connections that come from the face-to-face interactions of sharing a family meal. And having a double standard around technology for parents and kids isn't going to improve those interactions.

Anne K. Fishel is a professor at Harvard, and the author of Home for Dinner.

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Today's parents have a whole new set of table manners to grapple with-those associated with technology. And, according to our survey data, this is a dicey area, where what's good for the gosling turns out not to be so good for the goose. Some sensible tips are offered to help ease tensions at the dinner table.

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Your Cell Phone is 10 Times Dirtier Than Your Toilet Seat! Here’s What to Do About It?

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Your Cell Phone is 10 Times Dirtier Than Your Toilet Seat! Here’s What to Do About It?

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Your Cell Phone Is 10 Times Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat

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Your cell phone picks up bacteria everywhere it goes. Here's how to clean a screen and avoid some of the grossest germs.

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Study links mobile device addiction to depression and anxiety.

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Study links mobile device addiction to depression and anxiety.

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Is cellphone use detrimental to mental health? A new study from the University of Illinois finds that high engagement with mobile technology is linked to anxiety and depression in college-age students.

The study was published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior.

"There's a long history of the public fearing new technologies as they are deployed in society," said U. of I. psychology professor Alejandro Lleras, who conducted this study with undergraduate honors student Tayana Panova. This fear of new technology happened with televisions, video games and most recently, smartphones, he said. With the growth of mobile technology and the accompanying concern about its mental health implications, the researchers wanted to explore the connection between these information and communication technologies and psychological well-being.

Lleras and Panova surveyed over 300 university students with questionnaires that addressed the students' mental health, level and manner of cellphone and Internet use, and motivations for turning to their electronic devices. Questions included: "Do you think that your academic or work performance has been negatively affected by your cellphone use?" and "Do you think that life without the Internet is boring, empty and sad?"

"The goal of the study was to see whether high engagement with the Internet and mobile phones affects psychological well-being and, if so, the manner in which this influence occurs," Panova said. "More specifically, we wanted to explore whether using devices for emotional escapism is problematic to mental health."

"People who self-described as having really addictive-style behaviors toward the Internet and cellphones scored much higher on depression and anxiety scales," Lleras said.

Using these technologies for escapism was found to have a relationship with higher depression and anxiety scores. However, the researchers found no relationship between cellphone or Internet use and negative mental health outcomes among participants who used these technologies to avoid being bored. Thus, the motivation for going online is an important factor in relating technology usage to depression and anxiety, Lleras said.

In a follow-up study, Lleras and Panova tested how having a mobile phone or not having one in a stressful situation affected participants' responses to the stressor. Individuals who were allowed to keep their cellphones during an experimental, stressful situation were less likely to be negatively affected by stress compared with those without their phones.

"Having access to a phone seemed to allow that group to resist or to be less sensitive to the stress manipulation," Lleras said. This benefit was both small and short-lived, but suggests the phone might serve as a comfort item in stressful or anxiety-inducing situations, he said.

"However, for the participants who did become stressed after the stressor was presented, it did not matter whether they had a mobile phone at hand or not: The stress response was the same in all conditions," Panova said. "These results together suggest that mobile technology may be utilized as a 'security blanket' in the face of stress, but may not actually be an effective stress alleviator."

With growing support for the connection between technology use and mental health, the relationship between motivation for cellphone or Internet use and well-being warrants further exploration, Lleras said. Breaking intensive technology-use habits may provide an important supplemental treatment for addressing mental health issues such as general anxiety disorder or depression, he said.

"We shouldn't be scared of people connecting online or talking on their phones. The interaction with the device is not going to make you depressed if you are just using it when you are bored," Lleras said. "This should go toward soothing some of that public anxiety over new technology. However, research on intensive engagement with devices is indicating their clear role in mental health, so the manner in which the two are connected merits further study."

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Study links mobile device addiction to depression and anxiety

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Is cellphone use detrimental to mental health? A new study from the University of Illinois finds that high engagement with mobile technology is linked to anxiety and depression in college-age students. The study was published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior.

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New Report Finds Teens Feel Addicted to Their Phones, Causing Tension at Home

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New Report Finds Teens Feel Addicted to Their Phones, Causing Tension at Home

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San Francisco, Calif. -- A new report issued today by Common Sense Media finds that 50 percent of teens "feel addicted" to mobile devices, and 59 percent of their parents agree that their kids are addicted. Additionally, parents and children are concerned about the effects mobile device use has on their daily lives -- from driving to the dinner table -- with over one-third of the families in the Common Sense poll arguing about it daily.

The Common Sense poll surveyed 1,240 parents and kids from the same households (620 parents, 620 kids) and accompanies a white paper that reviews the latest scientific research about problematic media use, including impacts on youths' well-being and development. Together they offer a fresh, comprehensive review and perspective on addiction and media use in the U.S. today. Common Sense initiated the research to better understand mobile technology's impact on children's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development and to identify families' need for support.

"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. "What we've discovered is that kids and parents feel addicted to their mobile devices, that it is causing daily conflict in homes, and that families are concerned about the consequences. We also know that problematic media use can negatively affect children's development and that multitasking can harm learning and performance. As a society we all have a responsibility to take media use and addiction seriously and make sure parents have the information to help them make smart choices for their families."

Key findings from the survey of parents and teens include:

Addiction: One out of every two teens feels addicted to his or her device, and the majority of parents (59 percent) feel that their kids are addicted.

Frequency: Seventy-two percent of teens and 48 percent of parents feel the need to immediately respond to texts, social-networking messages, and other notifications; sixty-nine percent of parents and 78 percent of teens check their devices at least hourly.

Distraction: Seventy-seven percent of parents feel their children get distracted by their devices and don't pay attention when they're together at least a few times per week.

Conflict: One-third of parents and teens (36 percent and 32 percent, respectively) say they argue with each other on a daily basis about device use.

Risky behavior: Fifty-six percent of parents admit they check their mobile devices while driving; fifty-one percent of teens see their parents checking/using their mobile devices when driving.

Common Sense's white paper, a review of existing studies and research on Internet use, technology, and addiction, concludes that there is cause for concern around problematic media use, which in extreme cases can have very damaging consequences. The paper finds that multitasking, toggling between multiple screens or between screens and people -- which is common for kids doing homework or socializing -- impairs their ability to lay down memories, to learn, and to work effectively. Additionally, problematic media use can harm face-to-face conversation and undermine the development of empathy. Parents and teens should avoid multitasking with devices while talking to others and avoid replacing human interactions with technology.

"Parents are right to be concerned about the impact of media on the development of their kids," said Ellen Wartella, a leading scholar of the role of media in children's development. "It is a good thing that parents and educators are focused on kids' social and emotional learning and asking the right questions -- many of which we don't know the answers to yet. From attention disorders and multitasking to basic social interaction and interpersonal skills, we need to devote more time and research to understanding the impact of media use on our kids and then adjust our behavior accordingly."

The Common Sense report stemmed from last November's landmark report, Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens, which indicated that U.S. teens use an average of nine hours of media per day. The technology addiction research was initiated to spark a national discussion on media and technology use by acknowledging a pervasive feeling of addiction by American families and to help them identify resources to resolve family conflicts and encourage responsible use of technology.

Resources for families who are concerned about media use are available on the Common Sense website, including "5 Simple Steps for a Healthy Media Diet," our Family Media Agreement, video guides, and 20 Q&As that include answers to questions such as: "Is Internet addiction real?", "What are the downsides to multitasking?", and "How can I make sure my kid doesn't become addicted to technology?"

A webinar on helping families achieve media balance will be held on May 19 and will be free to the public at www.commonsensemedia.org. To review the white paper and executive summary in their entirety, visit www.commonsensemedia.org/addiction-research.

Survey methodology:
The survey is based on a nationally representative survey designed and administered by Lake Research Partners and conducted by telephone using professional interviews from February 16 to March 14, 2016. A total of 1,240 interviews were conducted with parents (n=620) and their children (n=620) residing in the same household.

Respondents were screened to be parents of children between the ages of 12 and 18 living at home, with both parent and child using a mobile device. The data for the parent and children sample were weighted slightly by gender, region, age, and race to reflect attributes of the actual population. The margin of error for this sample is +/-4.0%.

About Common Sense:
Common Sense is the nation's leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a powerful voice for kids and families in the 21st century. Millions of families, educators, and policymakers turn to Common Sense every day to access our independent ratings, unbiased research, and trusted tools and advice to help navigate a rapidly changing digital landscape at home and at school. Learn more at commonsensemedia.org.

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New Report Finds Teens Feel Addicted to Their Phones, Causing Tension at Home | Common Sense Media

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San Francisco, Calif. -- A new report issued today by Common Sense Media finds that 50 percent of teens "feel addicted" to mobile devices, and 59 percent of their parents agree that their kids are addicted.

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Table of Contents

Effects of Teen Smartphone Addiction

Teens and Social Media Use

Does My Teen Have a Cell Phone Addiction?

Treatment for Teens

Children are learning how to use cell phones and receiving their own at younger ages than ever before. Since teenagers have grown up in an era where cell phone use has been ingrained in them at such a vulnerable age, they are very susceptible to developing an addiction to their smartphones and/or social media.

The human brain isn't finished developing until around the age of 25 years old. ⁶

If a child or teenager suffers from a cell phone addiction, it could have negative implications on brain development.

Research has revealed that there are a few adolescent personality traits associated with Internet addiction, which is closely related to smartphone addiction. These traits include: ⁵

High harm-avoidance.
These individuals tend to be worrisome, fearful, pessimistic, and shy.¹⁷

Altered reward dependence.
The teen becomes dependent on rewards associated with the internet or cell phone as opposed to natural rewards such as spending time with friends and family, getting good grades, or partaking in hobbies.¹⁸

Low self-esteem.

Low cooperation.

Effects of Teen Smartphone Addiction

Smartphone addiction is closely related to Internet addiction, which is considered an impulse-control addiction. Teens who are addicted to the Internet tend to experience the following:

Decreased brain connectivity in parts of the brain that regulate emotions, decision-making, and impulse-control.⁴

An increased likelihood to consume alcohol and use tobacco.¹¹

An increased likelihood to have poor dietary habits.¹¹

Increased levels of social loneliness.¹²

Additionally, addiction to a cell phone could lead to a number of harmful ramifications such as:

Text neck.¹⁴
Neck pain associated with looking down at a cell phone for too long.

Digital eye strain.¹³
Burning and itching of eyes and blurred vision associated with looking at a screen for at least 2 hours.

Car accidents.¹⁵
Research has revealed that texting and driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.

Teens and Social Media Use

Teenagers utilize many different forms of social media-such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter-which allow them to connect with their peers. While these applications provide the user with the ability to connect with others all around the world and access news and information, they also can lead to compulsive and problematic cell phone use, cyberbullying, sexting, and Facebook depression, a term coined by researchers to define the depression associated with excessive social media use. ⁶

Research has revealed: ⁷

92% of teens say that they go online daily, while 24% consider themselves to be online "almost constantly."

Over half of teenagers go online many times a day.

94% of teenagers access the Internet via their smartphones at least once a day, if not more.

Facebook is the most-commonly visited social media site for teens (71%), followed by Instagram (52%), then Snapchat (44%).

Does My Teen Have a Cell Phone Addiction?

If you suspect that your teenager is suffering from an addiction to his or her smartphone, there are some signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for in your teen:

Anxiety.

Depression.¹⁰

Significant weight change.

Change in diet.

Change in sleep patterns.

Fatigue.

Depressed or irritable mood.

Flat affect or facial expression.

Little interest in activities they once found enjoyable.

Difficulties paying attention.

Withdrawal from social interaction or activities.

Low self-esteem.

Neglecting other activities and is constantly on his or her phone.

Sore neck or headaches.

Experiencing anxiety when without his or her cell phone or service.

Experiencing "phantom vibration syndrome," which means checking his or her phone when it hasn't vibrated or rung.

Using his or her cell phone while driving or crossing the street.

If you are concerned about your adolescent's cell phone addiction, talk to his or her pediatrician about treatment for a smartphone or social media addiction or call the number above to learn more about recovery.
Treatment for Teens

Although cell phone addiction is a relatively new behavioral addiction that isn't formally in the

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5 th Edition (DSM-5) yet, there are a few different rehabilitation centers that specialize in treating teen smartphone addiction, such as:

Restart Center.¹

Outpatient teen treatment.

Individualized assessments.

Counseling with certified staff.

Life coaching to address interpersonal and developmental deficits.

Paradigm Malibu Adolescent Treatment Program.⁸

Puts limitations on use while in treatment.

Individual therapy.

Assesses for co-occurring disorders.

Family Boot Camp.⁹

Treats teens with a cell phone addiction and their parents.

Wilderness expedition.

Guided by therapists and outdoor specialists.

Learn to live without technology.

If you suspect that your teen suffers from an addiction to his or her cellphone, it can be battled. Help your teen regain control of his or her life. Don't hesitate to call 1-888-997-3147 (Who Answers?) to learn about different rehabilitation options available for him or her.

References

1. ReSTART Center for Technology Sustainability. (2015). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.netaddictionrecovery.com/

2. Camp Grounded - Summer Camp for Adults - Digital Detox. (2014). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://campgrounded.org/

3. Hong S-B, Zalesky A, Cocchi L, Fornito A, Choi E-J, Kim H-H, et al. (2013) Decreased Functional Brain Connectivity in Adolescents with Internet Addiction. PLoS ONE 8(2): e57831. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057831

4. Kim, H. (2013). Exercise rehabilitation for smartphone addiction. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 9(6), 500-505. doi:10.12965/jer.130080

5. O'keeffe, G., & Clarke-Pearson, K. (2011). The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents, and Families. Pediatrics, 127(4), 800-804.

6. Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015. (2015, April 8). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015/

7. Teen Cell Phone Addiction Treatment - Paradigm Malibu. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://paradigmmalibu.com/teen-cell-phone-addiction-treatment/

8. Teen Cell Phone Addiction. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://familybootcamp.org/cell-phone-addiction/

9. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (5th ed.). (2013). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association.

10. Kim, Y., Park, J., Kim, S., Jung, I., Lim, Y., & Kim, J. (2010). The effects of Internet addiction on the lifestyle and dietary behavior of Korean adolescents. Nutrition Research and Practice Nutr Res Pract, 4(1), 51-51. doi:10.4162/nrp.2010.4.1.51

11. Pontes, H., Griffiths, M., & Patrao, I. (2014). Internet Addiction and Loneliness Among Children and Adolescents in the Education Setting: An Empirical Pilot Study. Aloma, 32(1), 91-98.

12. Digital Eye Strain Report 2015. (2015). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.thevisioncouncil.org/digital-eye-strain-report-2015

13. Hansraj, K. (2014). Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine Caused by Posture and Position of the Head. (25), 277-279. Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25393825

14. Dangers of Texting Whilst Driving. (2008). Retrieved November 30, 2015, from http://www.trl.co.uk/case-studies/behaviour-dangers-of-texting-whilst-driving/

15. Young Adult Development Project. (2008). Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife/youngadult/brain.html

16. Cheung, G (Aug 2007). "Stability of the harm avoidance personality trait in late-life depression". Int Psychogeriatr 19(4): 778-80. doi:10.1017/s1041610207005194

17. Han, D., Lee, Y., Yang, K., Kim, E., Lyoo, I., & Renshaw, P. (2007). Dopamine Genes and Reward Dependence in Adolescents with Excessive Internet Video Game Play. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 1(3), 133-138. doi:10.1097/ADM.0b013e31811f465f

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Effects of Teen Smartphone Addiction Teens and Social Media Use Does My Teen Have a Cell Phone Addiction? Treatment for Teens Children are learning how to use cell phones and receiving their own at younger ages than ever before.

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Nearly Half of Parents Worry Their Child Is a Phone Addict.

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Nearly Half of Parents Worry Their Child Is a Phone Addict.

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CLOSE
Corrections & Clarifications: This story has been updated to clarify the funding plans for Common Sense's Truth in Tech campaign.
Parents berate themselves for staying glued to their smartphones. But they're even more worried their kids can't detach from the small screen.

A survey from Common Sense Media and SurveyMonkey found 47% of parents worry their child is addicted to their mobile device. By comparison, only 32% of parents say they're addicted themselves.

Half of parents also say they are at least somewhat concerned about how mobile devices will affect their kids' mental health. Nearly one in five say they're "extremely" or "very" concerned.

"For as much attention as technology addiction receives among adults, parents - particularly those with teenagers - are far more concerned about their children's device usage than their own," Jon Cohen, chief research officer with SurveyMonkey, said in a statement Thursday.

(Photo: Getty Images)

According to the survey, 89% of parents believe it's up to them to curb their children's smartphone usage.

The survey conducted between Jan. 25 and Jan. 29 included a sample of 4,201 adults, including 1,024 parents with children under age 18. Data was weighted to reflect the demographic composition of the U.S. for adults over 18, based on Census data.

Recently, tech giants including Facebook, Google and Apple have been pushed to come up with solutions to prevent kids from growing addicted to technology.

This month, Common Sense Media and the non-profit Center for Humane Technology launched a campaign to explore the mental health consequences of technology.

The Truth About Tech campaign will be funded by $7 million from Common Sense and money raised by the new non-profit. At the time the campaign was launched, Common Sense said it would also use donated airtime from Comcast and DirecTV. The nonprofit now says its earlier statement is not accurate. Comcast said it is not supporting the Truth in Tech campaign. DirecTV would not comment.

"Parental concerns about technology addiction and the content children are exposed to on devices is very real, yet parents feel that they alone are responsible for managing these issues," Common Sense Media CEO James P. Steyer said. "It would be nice if the tech companies would partner with parents in this effort."

Former employees of Facebook and Google are among those leading the charge to urge tech companies to act.

Last month, two major Apple investors implored the company to explore ways to fight smartphone addiction among children. The investors collectively control about $2 billion in Apple shares. In response, Apple said it was adding more "robust" parental controls to its devices.

Common Sense and other children advocacy groups have particularly criticized Facebook for recently rolling out a Messenger Kids app aimed at kids under 13. Facebook has defended its decision to go ahead with it, pointing to the advice it received from a team of child experts and efforts it took to make sure parents had control over the app. But a recent Wired report detailing Facebook's financial support of these experts, which Facebook says covers logistics costs for their time, added more momentum to the controversy over whether tech companies are trying to get kids hooked too early.

Many devices and services feature parental controls, but some parents may not be aware they exist. The Common Sense-SurveyMonkey survey found 22% of parents did not know YouTube - which has faced scrutiny over how easy it is for kids to find inappropriate videos - offered parental controls. Also, 37% have not used the controls before.

That's a problem as YouTube often is the go-to entertainment platform of choice for kids, who have made creators such as Logan Paul superstars.

Among parents surveyed who say their kids watch YouTube videos, 62% said their kids have seen inappropriate videos on the site. Most, or 81%, said it's the parents' job to prevent kids from seeing these videos.

What to do

For parents who worry their kids spend too much time on their smartphones, here are some tips:

*Set time limits and enforce them. Block out time during the day where your kids can use a smartphone or tablet. And don't give in when they might beg for "one more minute."

*Explore parental controls. Most services such as YouTube offer them, but your smartphone has its own suite of tools to tailor the experience to your kids.

*Try zones where tech is not allowed. Want a phone-free dinner? Or no gadgets before bed time? Consider creating areas in your home where technology is completely off limits. Just remember parents have to follow these guidelines, too.
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.
Read or Share this story: https://usat.ly/2os70I2

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Exclusive: Nearly half of parents worry their child is addicted to mobile devices

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CLOSE Corrections & Clarifications: This story has been updated to clarify the funding plans for Common Sense's Truth in Tech campaign. Parents berate themselves for staying glued to their smartphones. But they're even more worried their kids can't detach from the small screen.

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Is Social Media Contributing to Rising Teen Suicide Rate?

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Is Social Media Contributing to Rising Teen Suicide Rate?

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Sadie Riggs loved helping others.

The bubbly 15-year-old dreamed of becoming a firefighter, a lawyer, or veterinarian. She was passionate about drawing and spending time outside with her dogs in her small town of Bedford, Pennsylvania, about 100 miles east of Pittsburgh.

Sadie had overcome challenges before - her biological mom, a drug addict, abandoned her when she was little - but in her final year of life, the high school freshman's biggest obstacle was bullying from her peers.

"The kids started making fun of her for her red hair and braces," said Sarah Smith, the aunt whom Sadie lived with. "The kids told her only devils had red hair."

The taunting started in the school hallways but became inescapable, Smith said. Sadie was tormented on Facebook, Instagram, messaging platform Kik - where classmates would tell her to kill herself.

"I went to the police. I went to the school. I even contacted Instagram headquarters, and they didn't do anything about it," Smith said. "So finally I smashed her phone. I broke it in half. She was bawling every day and I couldn't take it anymore."

But the bullying had already taken its toll. On June 19, barely a week after Smith took her phone, Sadie hanged herself.

In the age of what some are calling the "screenager" - with teens averaging more than 6.5 hours of screen time every day, according to nonprofit Common Sense Media - suicide prevention experts are wondering if enough is being done to protect young minds online.
Related: Suicides in Teen Girls Hit 40-Year High
Recent studies have shown a rise in both teen suicides and self-harm, particularly among teenage girls Sadie's age.

An analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August found the suicide rate among teenage girls ages 15 to 19 hit a 40-year high in 2015. Between 2007 and 2015, the rates doubled among girls and rose by more than 30 percent among teen boys.

And just this past week, researchers in the U.K. published similar discoveries in a study on self-harm that showed a dramatic increase in the number of adolescent girls who engage in it: Self-harm rose 68 percent in girls ages 13 to 16 from 2011 to 2014, with girls more common to report self-harm than boys (37.4 per 10,000 girls vs. 12.3 per 10,000 boys).

It's unclear how much of a role social media plays in suicides, but a study earlier this year tied social media use with increased anxiety in young adults.

Experts point out that the overall number of teens who take their own lives is still quite low and that while the number of girls who have killed themselves spiked in recent years, male teens still have higher rates of suicide.

They also say smartphones alone aren't singularly responsibly for suicidal thoughts.

"The increases in suicide rates are unlikely to be due to any single factor," said Dr. Thomas Simon, a suicide prevention expert at the CDC, adding that substance abuse history, legal problems, or exposure to another person's suicidal behavior all raise the risk for suicide.

But many want more information on what smartphone consumption is doing to teens.
Related: Colorado Dad Wants State to Ban Smartphones for Kids Under 13
In an article last month in The Atlantic, "Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?", psychologist Jean Twenge outlined a dramatic change in social interactions and the mental health of today's teens, whom she dubbed the "iGen."

"It's not an exaggeration to describe iGen as being on the brink of the worst mental-health crisis in decades. Much of this deterioration can be traced to their phones," Twenge wrote.

Filmmaker Dr. Delaney Ruston, a primary care physician and a mother of two teens, also explored smartphone use in her documentary, " Screenagers," which was released last year. Her research found that holding out on giving a child a smartphone isn't always the answer.

"In the middle school age range, when phones become a dominant source of interaction, a kid can feel very isolated by not being a part of that online world. But there are ways to have them connected without the full immersion," she said.

Ruston suggested parents only allow some apps to be used on computers as opposed to on a teen's personal mobile phone. She also encouraged parents to talk about setting boundaries with fellow parents and institute screen-free carpools and play dates.

"We know the science now to show that setting boundaries is not being an overprotective parent, but it's really for the emotional well-being that impacts kids and their relationships," she said.

Phyllis Alongi, clinical director for Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, based in Freehold, New Jersey, said social media is just one of a constellation of factors responsible for suicide. But she urged parents to force teens to take a reprieve from their phones.

Related: Role Models? Parents Glued to Screens 9 Hours a Day

"They can't turn it off, nor do they want to or know how to," she said. "It's stunting their coping skills, their communication skills."

Dr. Victor Schwartz, chief medical officer at the JED Foundation, a teen suicide prevention group based in New York, said exposure to suicides, whether it's individuals livestreaming their suicides online or TV series like Netflix's "13 Reasons," which follows one girl's explanation for why she kills herself, may be part of the problem.

"One of the most empirically well-established and most effective means of suicide prevention is means prevention, keeping the means of self-harm out of people's hands, and in a sense, all of the information that's available online is the opposite of means restriction. It's means promotion in a way," he said.

Social media can be positive in that it offers ways to be in touch and provide support for one another, Schwartz said.

But, he added, the virtual world can turn ugly - fast.

"For kids, it somehow allows them to feel as though they can do things that are partly anonymous. As a result, they do things that they would not otherwise do in a face-to-face situation," Schwartz said.

"The second piece is the magnifying effect. Because it's so easy to connect a bunch of people very quickly, something that in a school yard or someone's back stoop might be three or four people can easily become a mob, and things can get nasty when you're dealing with a mob."

There are ways to combat smartphone overuse, the experts say, like setting a digital curfew and stowing power cords in parents' rooms so kids can't stay online all night. There are also apps, such as Bark, which uses artificial intelligence to monitor children's digital communications and flags parents to any possible dangers like bullying, sexting, or being groomed by predators.

Ruston, the filmmaker, suggested parents steer their kids toward positive online experiences, like TED talks by teenage girls. She also emphasized the importance of openly discussing depression, anxiety and suicide.

"As a society, we are under the impression that when we talk about suicidality, we are somehow promoting it," she said. "Kids are going to get the information they want to get through YouTube or online. We need to become more proactive."
If you or anyone you know is feeling suicidal, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255; or contact Crisis Text Line, a confidential service for those wanting to text with a crisis counselor, by texting HOME to 741741.

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Plight of the 'screenager': Is social media taking a deadly toll on teens?

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Sadie Riggs loved helping others. The bubbly 15-year-old dreamed of becoming a firefighter, a lawyer, or veterinarian. She was passionate about drawing and spending time outside with her dogs in her small town of Bedford, Pennsylvania, about 100 miles east of Pittsburgh.

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Escapism & Why Giving A Youngster a Smartphone Is Akin to Child Abuse

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Escapism & Why Giving A Youngster a Smartphone Is Akin to Child Abuse

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In the last few days, it has surely struck me the quantity of people I've determined who's either the use of a smart telephone or have it off their fingers. People in cars, taking walks down the street, sitting at tables, and even the use of the urinal have their smart phones of their arms and while predominately I see youngsters and younger adults doing this I'm starting to see senior residents do this an increasing number of.

While I turned into a step-father for some time and even a step-grandfather for some time I do not have youngsters and I will in no way have kids. However, I sense no quantity of disgrace or qualification to the kingdom that I feel that giving an infant a clever phone is akin to toddler abuse.

One of the best truths ever to be spoken became by way of Blaise Pascal who said, "All of the humanity's troubles stem from man's inability to take a seat quietly in a room by myself." The depth, the profundity, and the implication of that one actual remark ought to be plastered anywhere, spoken of frequently, and become a guiding point for the manner man lives their existence. Alas, it isn't sexy and there's no cash to be made by using sitting quietly so these god-like words acquire little interest and live within the obscurity inside the minds and books of brilliant thinkers and if they're lucky those phrases make it into the communication, or onto the t-shirt, of a hipster even as he sits in an espresso residence and wonders if his thin jeans are more expensive than all of us else's skinny denim.

One of my excellent memories of childhood became sitting inside the returned seat of the automobile throughout lengthy car rides and simply staring out the window watching the world fly via earlier than my eyes. I might cross from side to side among sitting there and thinking about things and just being present and looking the homes and timber fly past as if I turned into sitting still and everything I saw has been simply actors strolling across a first rate stage for my leisure. The backseat of the car become an extraordinary area and I regarded forwards to sitting there and to me being capable of sit down there and stare out that window became like a present. I changed into granting a period of time with nothing to do, nowhere to go, not anything to be executed, not anything to be received through effort, and nothing to be expected of me.

For me, this changed into a ruin from the regular attempt of the day wherein I should think about things that I may not reflect on consideration on otherwise and, even better, to reflect on consideration on matters extra deeply than I would usually have. I may also simply be gift inside the moment and with no goal and no effort to provide to some thing, searching out the window was a meditation, an excellent series of moments full of peace in which the universe could do a wonderful and easy dance in front of my eyes as it opened and opened up like a blooming flower throughout the springtime.

An aunt and uncle of mine would throw a pool celebration as soon as 12 months back then and I do not clearly bear in mind the pool events themselves but I do recall the auto rides. They lived probably approximately 2 hours away so there was a number of time to just sit and experience the silence. One of my favorite car rides become once I quite younger and either my parents couldn't pass that yr or maybe so many of us have been going we had to take separate motors and I rode with my grandparents. I recall being in the backseat in their black sedan and nearly the complete experience down turned into silent. They did not listen to the radio and after such a lot of years together they didn't experience the want to constantly fill the air with senseless speak so they just sat there, and apart from the occasional query about my lifestyles it was nearly silent the whole manner down and the whole manner returned.

That vehicle experience became beautiful in its stillness and this is where my love of silence and stillness become found out. On maximum days I could exit into the woods behind my house and just take a seat on a large rock, breathe deeply, and experience the peace that I felt. At the time I did not know that became meditation, however, I did analyze that the peace this is located throughout meditation is not due to meditation itself honestly, that is, meditation does not create the peace we find rather the peace is always there we're simply not aware of it. It is because in the course of meditation we allow our thoughts to settle and the masses of factors that we are commonly aware off begin to fall out of our cognizance and we become aware of what turned into continually proper there the entire time, peace. Peace is constantly proper there but it's far simply being protected up with the aid of our steady circulation of thoughts, reviews, and feelings but if we will simply shift our awareness and look under them we will continually find it. Today I enjoy sitting in meditation but I do not do it every day, however, I do consciously shift my interest so I am privy to the peace this is usually there underneath the regular move of thoughts, worry, and effort and in that I am granted a short reprieve from the chaos of existence and a clean of my sanity.

How awful it would have been if I could have had a cellular phone when I changed into growing up. If I become to grow up inside the days of clever phones, YouTube, and Facebook I probably would have been looking a film on my telephone or sending tweets in preference to getting to know the rich rewards and kingly treasures of silence. What idiot would knowingly trade the tactile rush and vibrant feeling of actual awareness and experience for the false and empty international of temporary amusement and distraction that at excellent titillates for a brief second and then leaves you numb?

I see youngster joey now and I want to run up and slap the smart telephones from their palms and shout at their dad and mom, ask them what are they doing to themselves not to mention their children? These clever phones are indeed a terrific development and I'm no longer pronouncing people should not have them, however why give them to a small and impressionable toddler and steal from them the treasured moments to just stare out the window and do not anything, however, suppose and fall below the have an impact on of whimsy and Marvel?

Granted humans say that they want to give their youngsters telephones in case of emergencies and possibly this is genuine. However, I grew up in the 80's and ninety's and the best one jogging around with a mobile cell phone back then turned into Zack Morris and he wasn't real. It is proper that children are more cell these days and do extra things than even I did, however, we didn't have cellular phones and none of us have been dying left and proper. If we were out and about and had to speak with our parents we would simply ask to apply someone's smartphone... You recognize, expand social abilities.

Not that long ago you'll see a sixteen-year-old with a cell phone and also you'd marvel what became wrong with the parent for giving a child a cell phone. That changed into a huge debate not that long ago wherein humans would sit around and talk why a baby would want some thing so luxurious and who in the world might a sixteen yr antique want to name so urgently that they'd need their own telephone. Today it isn't always uncommon for eight-year-olds to have iPhones and society appear of the opinion that everybody needs this stuff to encompass small kids.

While I recognize that the increased mobility of contemporary youngsters ought to make the argument for a kid desiring a cellular smartphone I could deliver a toddler the cheapest flip mobile phones I should locate, in the end, if it's far simplest in case they need to contact me in the course of an emergency they do not want so that it will watch YouTube motion pictures on it. Granted, telephones are so superior nowadays that even a totally cheap cell phone can often surf the internet; after numerous years of carrying a pay as you go turn telephone I sooner or later determined to get a clever cell phone and I sold a refurbished LG smart smartphones for $10 online. Even though my smartphone is "cheap" I am amazed at what it can do; the fact that I actually have a mini pc, a digital digicam, and a camcorder in my pocket still blows my mind. I became in my vehicle the day gone by and I wondered what the call of the actor become that played "Mr. Belvedere" turned into and it then dawned on me that I did not ought to sit impotently via and marvel... I had a computer in my pocket and this laptop could speak with a gaggle of satellites that might speak with a gaggle of servers and they might all get together and will inform me his call if most effective I could ask! His name became Christopher Hewett and he died in August of 2001. What a time to be alive!

Here is the thing although, understanding that piece of trivialities failed to make my existence higher, it certainly entertained me for some moments. All I did turn into indulging the neediness and ramblings of an energetic mind that via its very nature is never content and could simplest give you some thing else to surprise approximately a few minutes later. Not each choice desires to be acted upon and no longer every thought wishes to be replied. I might have nearly needed that I did not have the cell phone in my pocket in order that I may want to have wondered for a few moments after which allow that notion pass and moved on with my life. My lifestyles weren't enriched by means of understanding the actor's call was Christopher Hewett or that his dad turned into a navy officer or that he additionally seemed in "Sid and Nancy." All this is fluff... It's far highly-priced wrapping paper on an empty box; the wrapping paper may look awesome and exciting but as soon as it's far eliminated all you are left with is the container that becomes empty the complete time.

Now all this could appear trivial but there's virtually a big trouble here and that trouble is escapism. People have real issues in their lives and if they may be forced to sit down in a room with the aid of themselves then they ought to confront their issues and deal with them and that isn't fun, so they searching for to break out. It is simple to turn to alcohol, other pills, sex, immoderate socializing, and mindless amusement as a way of escaping our lives and our troubles.

The rub is that after we sober up, the tablets put on off, the intercourse is finished and we roll over, or the YouTube video ends we're left with silence once more and proper there were alone once more with all of our problems and all of our uncomfortable feelings and once more we have a desire to address it or run away. Guess what? We run away again into the fingers of every other drink, another pill, any other companion, every other game of "Candy Crush" or Facebook post because that is less difficult than starting our issues within the face and dealing with them. Unfortunately, existence would not work like that and handiest by using dealing with our issues will our life get better and we develop as human beings.

That is why man can not sit in a room quietly and alone due to the fact then we are alone with not anything to distract us from ourselves, our shortcomings, and our troubles and that scares the hell out people. Running away is less difficult and if adults will do it in a heartbeat if we are able to get away with it then what about the kids? If we're fortunate while we're younger are issues and our demons are smaller and if we learn to appearance them in the eye and address them then we will know the way to do this when we are adults and our lifestyles will improve due to it. If, however, we by no means learn to do some thing but get away how can we ever recognize that we want to grow however that the sort of issue is feasible.

Our lack of ability to address ourselves is so profound that after the University of Virginia did a have a look at where they requested humans to take a seat alone in a room for 15 to 20 minutes and to just sit down there, now not go to sleep, and be on my own with their thoughts. Almost no one should do it; half of them admitted to cheating in a few way along with sneaking in a cellular telephone and texting at some point of the check and the researchers suspected that more had cheated however would not admit it. It receives even worse due to the fact before the test anyone became asked to press a button that gave them an electric shock and anybody agreed that the surprise was ugly and maximum said that they had pay cash to no longer receive that identical surprise once more. However, when left on my own within the room they all had the option to press the button and give themselves another unsightly surprise and 70% of the adult males and 25% of the girls did just that! They had been so uncomfortable being alone with their thoughts they decided to offer themselves a painful electric powered shock just to break out it for a few seconds.

It is regularly stated that people don't certainly exchange and that is often proper. People don't change because the exchange is tough and escapism is easy. People don't alternate due to the fact searching your problems in the attention scares the dwelling hell out of us and it's so easy to simply hit "play" or carry the bottle to our lips. People do not exchange... This is until they do. People surprise why awful matters manifest to true humans and this is because if nothing bad ever took place to you then you'd live a lifestyle of numb contentment and haven't any insentient to wake the hell up. When things get awful enough and we find that we can't break out from our problems it's miles typically simplest at that point that we discover the braveness to look our demons in the eye and stand our floor.

The hilarious element is that when you ultimately do it and you look your issues in the eye and also you stare them all the way down to the factor wherein you can almost see right through them you see that the big frightening demons that terrorized you your entire life are truly terrified of you! They are frightened of your attention and your aware consciousness and that is why they may do something to maintain you distracted. Once without a doubt confronted they disappear earlier than your eyes like the morning sun burning the fog off a lake.

Today there's little difference between a smart phone and a cane (figuratively, actually there's a world of difference); as a cane is held inside the hand to help a person stroll whilst a phone is usually held within the hand to assist a person distract themselves for a couple of minutes and in that distraction find solace from their troubles. In the end, the solace is fake and their problems continue to be because escapism is not anything extra than avoiding your problems and the way can an existence spent fending off one's issues be an existence this is completely lived?

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Escapism and Cell Phones, Why Giving A Youngster A Smartphone Is Akin To Child Abuse

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In the last few days, it has surely struck me the quantity of people I've determined who's either the use of a smart telephone or have it off their fingers.

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Phone-Addicted Parents to Blame for Poorly Behaved Students

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Phone-Addicted Parents to Blame for Poorly Behaved Students

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Parents who are addicted to their mobile phones may be to blame for their poorly behaved children, claims research

Almost 200 two-parent families were involved in the study of 'technoference'

This is defined as interruptions in face-to-face interactions because of tech

Technoference at meals can frustrate children, causing them to whine or sulk

Poor behaviour in kids was more closely linked to their mothers' phone usage

Parents who have an addiction to their mobile phones may be to blame for their poorly behaved children, research claims.

Scientists have uncovered a trend between excessive use of the devices by mums and dads and behavioural problems in youngsters.

Almost 200 families were involved in the study of 'technoference' - interruptions in face-to-face interactions because of technology devices.

Technoference at meals can frustrate children, researchers claim, causing them to become hyperactive, whine, sulk or have a tantrum.

Poor behaviour in children was more closely linked to their mothers' phone usage, the scientists revealed in the journal Pediatric Research.

Recent studies estimate parents use TV, computers, tablets and smartphones for nine hours per day on average.

A third of this time is estimated to be spent on smartphones, often used during family activities such as meals playtime, and bedtime.

Illinois State University and Michigan University experts said they are all important times involved in shaping a child's social-emotional wellbeing.

Dr Jenny Radesky, who led the study, said: 'Children may be more likely to act out over time in response to technoference as opposed to internalize.'

Dr Brandon McDaniel, who also led the study, added: 'In other words, parents who have children with more externalizing problems become more stressed.

'Which may lead to their greater withdrawal with technology, which in turn may contribute to more child externalizing problems.'

The researchers quizzed 172 two-parent families who had a child over the age of five using online questionnaires.

Participants indicated how often per day various different devices interrupted their conversations or activities with their children.

Parents rated their child's internalizing behaviour, such as how often they sulked, and their externalizing behaviour, such as how easily frustrated they were.

The parents also reported on their own levels of stress and depression and their child's screen media use.

Two fifths of mothers and 32 per cent of fathers admitted being addicted to their phones across the six-month study.

Half of the families reported technoference happening at least three times a day. Only a tenth denied it ever occurring.

Being unable to resist checking messages was listed as one of the key features of addiction, alongside thinking about incoming calls and texts.

The study comes as Manchester is to launch a campaign to tackle the breakdown in communication between parents and children caused by technology.

It will become the first authority in the UK to launch such a scheme, which will see parents given nudge-style texts to advise them when to ditch their phones.

HOW CAN YOU SPEND LESS TIME ONLINE?

Being 'on' all the time can have a serious effect on our mind and our bodies, which is why a world-famous personal trainer and health author has shared his tips on how to do a digital detox.

Adelaide-born PT, James Duigan, 42, is the former personal trainer of Elle Macpherson and his words are often treated as gospel as he has also worked with the likes of Emilia Clarke, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Lara Stone.

Although many of us communicate with people online and check into social media, Mr Duigan believes we've never been lonelier:

'The primary culprit is social media and our mobile phones. They can bring global communities together and provide a ceaseless source of inspiration at their best,' he said.

'But at their worst, they can be a constant nuisance, a constant distraction and stop you living in the present.

'Even a quick scroll before bed can keep you awake at night or send your self-esteem plummeting as you're barraged with Insta bums and impossible abs.'

Mr Duigan explained that social media platforms have been purposefully built to be addictive as each notification brings along the 'happy hormone' with it.

In a blog post on his website Bodyism, James revealed what his top three tips for a digital detox are.

As with any cold turkey experience, it can be hard to wean yourself off social media - but the trick is to replace the addiction with something else.

'Use an app called Freedom to block your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter apps for as long as you need - or can bear,' Mr Duigan suggested.

The app allows you to choose how long you want to block certain apps for - which means you can slowly coax yourself into blocking them for longer.

His second step is simple: just log out.

'Creating that extra step between you and your 'feed' will help you resist the lure of mindless scrolling when your resolve is wearing thin,' he said.

Mr Duigan's third and final step is to be in the moment and make sure you're tuned in on what is going on around you.

'No pictures. No selfies. No boomerangs. No Snapchats. For one day at least. Don't lose the moment by trying to capture it,' he said.

'Live in the moment and it will live long in the memory.'

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Phone-addicted parents may be to blame for their poorly behaved kids

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Almost 200 two-parent families were involved in the study of 'technoference' This is defined as interruptions in face-to-face interactions because of tech Technoference at meals can frustrate children, causing them to whine or sulk Poor behaviour in kids was more closely linked to their mothers' phone usage Parents who have an addiction to their mobile phones may be to blame for their poorly behaved children, research claims. Scientists have uncovered a trend between excessive use of the devices by mums and dads and behavioural problems in youngsters.

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Your Smartphone Addiction Maybe the Reason Your Child Acts Out

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Your Smartphone Addiction Maybe the Reason Your Child Acts Out

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For all of its benefits, technology still has its downside. Study after study has been released documenting the ill effects tech use can have on your mental health, your behavior, and your relationships. But one area, in particular, has captured scientists' attention for at least a decade: the impact technology has on children - or, more so, how a parent's phone use affects their kids. Turns out, it's not so great: new research suggests your smartphone addiction may be why your kid acts out, giving parents another thing to worry about.

A recent study published in the journal Pediatric Research found that "technoference" - the term for excessive tech use that interrupts parent-child interactions - can cause poor behavior in kids, according to The Daily Mail. In particular, researchers analyzed online survey data from more than 170 families with children 5 years old or younger and learned that technoference can cause kids to throw a tantrum, become hyperactive, whine, or sulk, The Daily Mail reported.

The researchers also discovered that, in almost all cases, one or more electronic device - be it a smartphone, tablet, or computer - had interrupted interactions between parents and their kids, the findings showed. Not only that, but the study also found that parents who had to cope with problematic child behavior often turned to technology "as a refuge."

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Co-lead researcher Dr. Jenny Radesky, of the University of Michigan Medical School, said that children can become frustrated by parents who play with their smartphones during family activities, such as meals, playtime, and bedtime, according to The Daily Mail. Over time, their response is "to act out" rather than internalize that stress, she continued.

Radesky's colleague, Dr. Brandon McDaniel, of Illinois State University, expanded on this observation, adding, according to The Daily Mail:

In other words, parents who have children with more externalizing problems become more stressed, which may lead to their greater withdrawal with technology, which in turn may contribute to more [children] externalizing problems.

This is not the first time Radesky has studied this subject. She published an anthropological study in Pediatrics in 2014 that came to the same conclusion: Children are more likely to act out for attention if their parents are sucked into their mobile devices.

Other researchers have derived similar results regarding a parent's cell phone use. A 2016 Developmental Science study, for example, found that infants and toddlers expressed more distress when their mothers were on their phones. In another study, published by AVG Technologies in 2015, more 30 percent of adolescents and teenagers surveyed reported feeling "unimportant" when their parents were absorbed in their smartphones during family time.

What's more, research published in Translational Psychiatry two years agofound that distracted parents may have a harmful impact on a child's development, according to TIME. Specifically, parents sucked into technology or have their attention pulled in other ways may harm their kid's ability to process pressure, the animal study found.

On the surface, the solution would seem to be that parents just need to put down their cell phones. But it's not that easy: After all, Common Sense Media found that parents devote more than nine hours a day, on average, to technology, be it playing video games or scrolling through their Facebook feed aimlessly. It's hard to break a habit you spend so much time on.

Instead, it's a matter of being mindful of your actions, and digging into why you feel you need technology in the first place. As clinical psychologist Dr. Shaun Wehle told Moneyish:

Try to understand why you're escaping into technology; what's overwhelming? Why can't you tolerate it? Don't just habitually play Candy Crush when you're stressed.

He continued, according to Moneyish:

Make eye contact [with your child] and tune in to where they're at emotionally. Recognize that they're in an agitated state and respond accordingly.

As a parent with a tech dependency, I know it will be difficult to break away from my screen - especially during my down days. But for the sake of my son, it's important to try.

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You Are Probably Causing Your Own Kids Tantrum, TBH

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For all of its benefits, technology still has its downside. Study after study has been released documenting the ill effects tech use can have on your mental health, your behavior, and your relationships. But one area, in particular, has captured...

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'I'm busy,' signals you don't have room for friends; be specific or cut back your calendar

I recently asked a friend I haven't seen in months if she wanted to get together and catch up. I envisioned us gabbing over cocktails at the new Vietnamese restaurant in our neighborhood. Or maybe I could fix her dinner.

Her reply: "Sure. Why don't you stop by for 45 minutes to an hour on Monday night around 8:30."

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'I'm busy' signals you don't want to make room for friends or family. Be specific about what's really taking up your time or cut back your calendar.