Technology Use, Overuse and Addiction
Teaching Adolescents and Families How to Use Technology Safely
“The key is to teach them how to be safe with technology, because ultimately, we want our children to be in charge of technology, rather than feeling technology is in charge of them.”
– Elaine Halligan, London director of The Parent Practice
Today, we can use our computers and smart phones to learn, to play games and to meet and stay connected to people in our lives. Unfortunately, the same technology, if overused or misused, can have a negative impact on many things in life … especially for children.
According to Dr. Andrea Hutchinson and John Hutchinson, MBA, co-founders of CARE Counseling in Minneapolis, Minnesota:
“Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, transforming the way we communicate, work, and entertain ourselves. While technology offers numerous benefits and conveniences, it also has a profound impact on family dynamics and social development. These conflicts can strain family dynamics. Excessive screen time and social media use can have implications for mental health. It can contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, particularly among adolescents who may experience cyberbullying or negative social comparisons on social platforms.”
At Cherokee Creek Boys School, we take the the challenge of tech addiction and overuse seriously and strive to support our students and families in using technology in a way that enhances life and mental health.
Our students have limited use of technology while they are with us on campus, and we also strive to help them learn how to use technology responsibly.
“It’s not just about limiting screen time; it’s about teaching kids to develop good habits in real life as well as managing their screen time.”
– Cynthia Crossley, Co-Founder of Habyts
Our CCBS Technology-Use Program
FOR STUDENTS
Each student participates in a digital citizenship curriculum which focuses on how to use technology in a healthy and safe way. We encourage our students to spend time connecting with people (fellow students, staff and their families) and to spend time in nature. Creating connections with other people and connecting with the environment around us teaches healthy habits that can have a positive effect on adolescent social and emotional development and their mental health.
FOR FAMILIES
As a part of our family programming, we offer workshops and presentations about tech usage. We encourage families to create guidelines, plans and practices for using technology in a way that contributes to healthy family dynamics and relationships.
“Whether you are a parent or not, carving out time to turn off your devices, to disconnect from the wired world and engage with the real people who are all around you, is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and the people you love.”
Our role is to offer information and suggestions that parents can use to set up their own healthy plans for using technology in their family. The parents and student can practice their new guidelines when the family visits their son on campus, and they’ll have a plan for technology use in the family when the student returns home.
Click HERE for more information about “How Technology Affects Famiy Dynamics and Social Development” by CARE Counseling.