Technology is a staple of daily life. Between social media, television, the internet, and smartphones, it can be hard to spend a moment without being plugged in. For teens, technology helps with school, connects them to others, and can be an escape from the stress of daily life. It can also become a harmful distraction from life. Unfortunately, technology addiction among teens is increasingly common. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and reasons for technology addictions can help parents and teens navigate recovery.
If your teen is showing signs of addiction to technology, we are here to help. Call Venture Academy today to learn more about our technology addiction programs for teens and young adults. Venture Academy provides a balance between keeping clients on track and helping them recover through multidisciplinary programs. Reach us now at 866.762.2211 to get started with Venture Academy’s treatment options for addiction to technology for clients ages 18-25.
Signs of Addiction to Technology Among Teens
Technology is a significant part of daily life. For teens, it can seem like the centre of their world. While parents may joke their teen is addicted to smartphones, video games, or television, technology is a real addiction. When technology impedes a teenager’s daily life and affects their mental health, there’s a good chance they’ve developed an addiction. Formally called a process addiction, constant use of technology can be detrimental to overall wellness. Some signs of technology addiction in teens include:
- Obsessively checking their phone, email, or social media
- Doom scrolling
- Obsessed with what they will post on social media
- Texting while driving
- Changes in grades or social groups
- Watching television or playing video games instead of sleeping
- Excessive time on social media that causes changes in mood
For teenagers, their use of technology can be a way to avoid difficult feelings, social situations, and thoughts. It can also lead to other addictions, like substance abuse. Because teenage brains are still developing, continued obsessive technology use can be harmful. It can also be a sign of underlying mood disorders, unprocessed trauma, and other treatable mental health issues.
Approaches to Treating Technology Addiction Among Teens
Quitting technology cold turkey isn’t easy. It’s also not the best way to approach a process of addiction. Like other addictions, process addictions cause withdrawal symptoms that can lead to other forms of self-soothing. The best approach to technology addiction is behavioural therapy and a mental health assessment. For teens struggling with mood disorders, a proper diagnosis and treatment can lessen and even stop the need to self-soothe with technology.
Instead of trying to treat your teen’s technology addiction at home, talk to your teen about mental health counselling and call the team at Venture Academy today. At our treatment centre, we’re here to support you and your teen through every phase of technology addiction treatment. Our individualized programs provide a continuum of care for young adults struggling with technology addiction, mental health, and substance abuse. With academic support and short-term and long-term treatment plans, Venture Academy gives teens and their families the support they need on a schedule that really works. We even have follow-up assessments after treatment to help teens and young adults as they continue to grow and develop.
Help Your Teen Today with Technology Addiction Treatment at Venture Academy
With three clinics, Venture Academy is here to make treatment accessible for you and your teen. Crisis intervention is available as well. We know how difficult it is to see your teen suffering, but we’re here for you. Venture Academy provides a balance between keeping clients on track and helping them recover through multidisciplinary programs. Call us now a 866.762.2211 to learn more about our programs and get started.
