What is Screen dependency Disorder?
Extensive exposure to screen time makes children exhibit an addictive behavior and dependency on the device. Some of the most popular, yet addictive, websites or apps are
- You tube
- Video games
- Mobile phones
- Tik Tok
- Porn Sites
Symptoms of SDD
- Children are gradually drifting away from family and friends. Any spare time they get, they want to spend on their phones. Have you ever planned a fun filled vacation far away from home, only to see the kids glued to their phones there too ?
- Often parent demand that the children limit their screen time. The typical reaction in an SDD child is being aggressive. The very thought of staying away from screen shoots up an agony, that is often followed by either shouting or violent behaviour.
- The device takes over the brain so much that the child shows no interest in reading books, playing outdoor sports and finishing school homework on time. Everything else is prioritised for later.
- Phone,Laptops and any type of gadgets are their mood enhancer.
But it often started with parents – because the screen helped them
Be it quickly completing the household task till the time child is busy in cartoons or managing office meetings by handing them the phone, it was parents who used the screen as a diversion. The cartoon show on the TV screen was used to distract the child while the parent could slip food into their mouth. You could have long video calls with your friends, just because the child was glued to their tablet – sitting in one place.
Now, when the same child is asked to limit their screen time it becomes really difficult for them to comprehend. They are grown up with this mindset that this is normal behavior. It was okay to watch Television,Mobiles or You tube till now, what changed suddenly ?
Children repeat what they see, not what parents tell them to do. So if you think your child is addicted to their screen, it is highly likely that the parents also suffer from the Screen Dependency Disorder.
Counselling could help to manage SSD and reduce addiction. So, parents if you find that your child is facing such issues kindly consult a Counsellor.
Timely intervention always helps.
