Written by Vikki Carrel, CALT
Over the years, tweens and teens have embraced and absorbed our ever-changing world of technology. Blogging, posting, tweeting, and texting are part of the social networking and technology boom. The overuse of technology may result in technostress.
Technostress is the emergent phenomenon related to the pervasive use of technology and is associated with the increased computerization and digitalization seen over recent decades. The prevalent use of technology can alter and control one’s lifestyle and may affect a teen’s self-esteem and personal relationships with family and peers. Youth must learn to manage technology and not allow it to control them. Technology can create stress for teens and their families. Social media is the most widespread form of technology that teens access daily. Excessive use of social media can lead to mental health issues that involve concerns centered on body image, self-worth, materialism, popularity, and bullying. Many families get into their techno-cocoons with one family member texting, the other playing a video game, and yet another watching a flat-screen television. The result of this scenario is a lack of communication among family members. Technology is not inherently wrong; however, the problem is how teens and others interact with it.
Unfortunately, the rise of technology has affected teens’ mental health and self-esteem. During the past several years, teen anxiety has become more prevalent. Research claims that “over the past decade, anxiety has overtaken depression as the most common reason students seek mental health counseling.” The American College Health Association found that 62 percent of undergraduates in 2016 reported overwhelming anxiety. That was up from 50 percent only five years prior. The Higher Education Research Institute at U.C.L.A. has tracked freshman stress since 1985. Since the first survey, the percentage of first-year students reporting that they “felt overwhelmed by all I had to do” more than doubled from 18 percent in 1985 to 41 percent in 2016.” [1] Teens who have limited restrictions for time spent on social media and cell phones tend to have increased issues with mental health than teens who spend their time in face-to-face interactions with their family and peers.
Here are five ideas to help teens control technology:
- Encourage teens to exercise self-discipline. Set specific family rules and boundaries regarding technology and online use. Be clear about the expectations and consequences. Teach teens self-discipline through personal example. For example, if the family rule is no cell phones while driving, don’t let your teen catch you sneaking a look at your phone or texting while driving the car.
- Help teens recognize that an imbalanced life results from poor choices. Empower teens by teaching them to own their choices and the consequences of each option.
- Encourage teens to plan and avoid procrastination. Allow teens to make crucial scheduling decisions and learn from the consequences of effective and ineffective time management.
- Teach teens to minimize distractions in their world. Teens will be empowered when they learn to control their use of technology.
- Urge teens to have face-to-face relationships. Self-belief and confidence will increase as teens improve their communication and social skills.
It is important to note that there is an upside to technology. It has improved the education system and communication between parents and educators. As teens learn to manipulate different devices and apps, they learn problem-solving skills by moving data from one location to another. Technology also promotes and encourages collaboration.
The bottom line is parents cannot be with their teens 24/7. It is essential to teach them that balancing their lifestyle and managing social media is a personal CHOICE! Teach teens to take control of technological tools rather than being controlled by them. Set rules that will limit the use of specialized tools. Begin by setting aside at least fifteen minutes each day for family time. Limit the use of cell phones at the dinner table and encourage face-to-face communication and interaction. Help teens decrease technostress in their lives by exercising control when it comes to the use of technology.
[1] www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/more-feeling/201712/can-t-fight-feeling-technology-and-teen-anxiety
Vikki Carrel is a certified academic language therapist and a multi-book author. Her books Puzzle Pieces and Building Blocks are available on Amazon at this link.
You can reach Vikki Carrel directly at vikkicarrel@gmail.com
