Empowering Families to Overcome Technology Dependency Challenges

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Is technology sucking the life out of your family?

You are not alone.

Technology is all around us today. And in most households, devices are a big part of everyday life.

Screens are devices. That in and of themselves are neutral.

It's what we do with technology that is often the issue.

When screen time crosses the line and starts to interfere with relationships, sleep, or mental health that's when normal becomes problematic.

The good news is that families can overcome technology dependency and develop healthy digital habits.

Let me show you how…

In this free download, you will discover:

• 5 Signs Your Family is Overusing Technology

• 4 Reasons Technology Dependency Affects Youth Disproportionately

• 9 Solutions for Families to End Problematic Technology Habits

• Action Steps to Break Technology Dependency Together

The Hidden Crisis: Technology Overuse Among Families

Here's something that may surprise you…

Did you know that 60% of teens show signs of cell phone addiction?

60% of 8th through 12th-grade students in the US right now struggle with a device dependency. And that's only the teens. The entire family is likely overusing technology as well.

Addiction to technology is one of the fastest-growing addiction problems for teens and families.

Parents and children are usually locked in an endless cycle of frustration and conflict. Parents struggle to set boundaries on screen time, yet often struggle to manage their own technology habits. Children feel deprived of devices and time to themselves. Family meals are interrupted by the ping of endless notifications.

But it gets worse…

Statistics show that 45% of teenagers are always or almost always connected to their devices. We are not talking about convenience here. We are talking about NEED. A need to be connected, always.

What parents may not know…

Teenagers who spend 5 or more hours on their phones double the risk of displaying symptoms of depression when compared to those who use technology for less time.

It's not just about one member of the family having a problem.

Family dynamics are disrupted when at least one member is overusing technology.

Why Youth Are More Impacted Than Adults

Teens are disproportionately affected by technology overuse for a variety of reasons. Brain development, technology company marketing, and access to technology all play a part. When technology crosses the line for young people, it is often more intense and prolonged.

The effects of excessive screen time in children and teenagers often manifest in family issues. Teens start to avoid face-to-face time with parents and siblings. Tension increases in the family as everyone has their own device.

Technology use among families directly influences each member's relationships and mental health. The more time on devices, the greater the risk.

When technology disrupts family time or sleep, there is even a higher risk of other issues like anxiety and depression developing.

The effects on families and teens in particular are real. Parents often struggle to help their teens change problematic technology habits.

Many are at a loss about how to respond to teens that are overly attached to their devices.

Making a Family Technology Plan

The most effective way to begin to combat any unhealthy behavior is to hold a family meeting and make a plan. Discuss the problem openly. Listen to what everyone has to say. Collaborate to develop a solution. Having all members of the family invested in the plan increases motivation and buy-in.

Some helpful tips when making a family technology plan are as follows:

• Decide on technology-free zones in the house.

• Set up designated screen-free times for the whole family.

• Have each family member make the same commitments about technology.

• Follow through on the plan and do regular check-ins.

Parent-Child Tech-Free Time for Families

Parents need to remember to lead by example.

Kids often model their technology use after their parents' behavior. Parents often yell at their children for being on their phones too much, but they are guilty of the same offense.

Ask yourself and your partner or spouse if you are acting hypocritical to your children.

Children don't look at things the same way as parents.

The family members that need to disconnect from technology the most are sometimes the ones who most vehemently deny the need to do so. If you are a parent or caregiver to teens, chances are you are all a part of the problem.

Ask yourself and your partner if you are leading by example and willing to work on the same goals as your kids.

Technology Solutions for Parents and Teens

You've decided you want to make a change. That's great! The hardest part is over.

Okay. Maybe not. But that's a huge step in the right direction.

Begin with the following simple, effective changes:

• Make one meal per day 100% technology free. For everyone.

• Find engaging activities to replace screen time.

• Address the underlying cause of technology overuse for each person.

The Importance of Engaging Alternatives

Addressing the root cause of tech addiction is key.

A recent study found that 66% of teens suffer from withdrawal when their phones are not in reach.

If your teen suffers from anxiety or depression, withdrawal is a symptom of mental illness. However, most teens only show signs of anxiety when separated from their devices. It's a behavioral condition that needs to be treated the same as a physical addiction.

Addiction to social media and video games in kids is rampant today. There is a reason kids and teens are so addicted. It is hardwired into the devices.

Companies make sure that their users return to the app or social media. They have tricks and techniques to keep users engaged.

Social media and online video games give dopamine jolts like no other.

Parents can help their teens break free from the cycle with the following:

• Open conversation and education about addiction and recovery.

• Alternative activities that are also engaging.

• Support and encouragement.

• Focus on building self-esteem in teens and young adults.

Implementing Sustainable Family Habits

Change takes time. That's the truth.

Your family doesn't have to commit to lifelong changes overnight. You can begin with baby steps. Begin small and increase your family goals and commitments as you reach them.

Find small victories and celebrate them. Every time you or your teen choose an engaging activity over a device, give yourselves a high five.

It may feel overwhelming at first, but before long, your family will form healthier relationships with technology.

Solutions for Healthy Technology Habits

So far, you have committed to having an open discussion about technology and how it impacts your family. You have implemented changes like removing technology from meals and engaging in other fun, non-tech activities.

If your family is suffering from technology overuse and a regular open dialogue doesn't work, it might be time to add another tool to your toolbox.

Here are some resources that can help families break free of technology dependency:

• Family Counseling: Working with a counselor that specializes in family systems and technology addiction can be enormously beneficial.

• Accountability Partners: Pair up a parent and a child, or two siblings to be each other's support team and cheerleader.

• Teen Challenge: If you or a family member are struggling with technology dependency, Teen Challenge can help with a family-based approach to technology and other addictions.

Success Stories: Families Who Have Recovered from Technology Dependency

There are hundreds of examples of families that have turned their technology habits around.

Here are a few of the most successful:

• Success Story: From Dependency to Independence: Real Stories of Families Breaking Free from Technology Addiction

• Real-Life Tech Addiction Recovery Stories: Families Winning Back Their Lives

• Teen Challenge Family Technology Overuse Recovery Stories

The Bottom Line

Technology is not going anywhere.

But how you and your family relate to your devices can and will change.

Begin with small steps.

Pick one thing from this article and commit to making a change today.

Talk to your family. Collaborate on a plan. Follow through.

Your family will be healthier, happier, and more connected for it.