Marisa Lobo Biddappa, a Dubai-based Counsellor and Psychologist, talks about identifying and preventing mobile phone addiction among teens and adolescents.
Read the full story here: https://gulfnews.com/special-reports/mobile-phone-addiction-brain-changes-sleep-trouble-mood-swings-spotted-in-children-1.1690299156367
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#UAEnews #addiction #mobilephones
Read the full story here: https://gulfnews.com/special-reports/mobile-phone-addiction-brain-changes-sleep-trouble-mood-swings-spotted-in-children-1.1690299156367
Subscribe to Gulf News on YouTube and watch more of our videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/GulfNewsTV
See more videos at https://gulfnews.com/videos
Read more Gulf News stories here: https://bit.ly/2HLJ2km
#UAEnews #addiction #mobilephones
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NewsTranscript
00:00Mobile phone addiction is a behavioral addiction in a person who cannot do without his phone
00:13or who gets anxious and angry when he cannot have internet connectivity.
00:18Even though it is not recognized in the DSM-5, a manual for mental disorders, it presents
00:26similar characteristics like other behavioral addictions, and those who have an addiction
00:32experience withdrawal symptoms similar to other addictions when denied of its access.
00:38Mobile phone addiction involves compulsive overuse of the phone.
00:45While anyone can be at risk for developing an addiction, studies have shown that it is
00:51more prevalent in adolescents and young adults, and around 20-30% of adolescents and young
00:58adults may suffer from an addiction.
01:01It can be difficult for parents to determine if their child is engaging in normal use or
01:07has a psychological dependence on a phone.
01:11Hence, it is crucial for parents to be aware of the warning signs to pretend them if their
01:17child has moved from normal use to psychological dependence.
01:23What are the red flags parents need to be aware of?
01:26Keeping their phone on and with them all the time, spending hours and hours on the phone,
01:33sitting in their room for long periods of time, having difficulty in emotional regulation,
01:39showing frustration, intolerance, impatience, irritability, restlessness, showing a behavior
01:45change, getting anxious, depressed, showing symptoms of loneliness, sleep disturbances,
01:53fatigue due to lack of sleep, headaches, tongue or wrist pain, red eyes, blurring vision.
02:03What can you as parents do to help?
02:06Mobile phone apps are developed in such a way to encourage excessive use.
02:13Like any other addiction, it has its effect on dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the body
02:19which makes us feel pleasure.
02:22Mobile phone use is said to stimulate the production and release of dopamine which drives
02:28the need in us to use it more and more.
02:31The developing adolescent brain is often not equipped to regulate their own use in a responsible
02:40way without parental limits.
02:44It's imperative that parents teach their child to use their phone in a responsible manner.
02:50Be your own model of moderation.
02:53Set an example.
02:55Be aware of the time you spend on your phone.
02:58If you are on your phone 24-7, which I would call a suit.
03:03Delete any unnecessary apps.
03:07Avoid giving your child a phone till he reaches an appropriate age.
03:14If you feel you need to give your child a phone for safety reasons, make sure there
03:19are no features on it that will help it to download addictive apps.
03:24Spend quality time with your child.
03:27Face-to-face interaction without any distraction will help foster healthy relationships in
03:33your child.
03:34Teach them to connect with people in other ways.
03:37Encourage them to engage in physical activity.
03:41Physical activity helps to release endorphins or feel-good hormones.
03:46Encourage your child's talents and creativity and help them develop it.
03:52Encourage them to pursue a hobby in their interest.
03:56Healthy, pure interactions, social relationships, sports, and developing one's interests and
04:04creativity are an integral part of maintaining a healthy balance in your child's personal,
04:12emotional, and social development.
04:15If you think your child has an addiction, reach out to a mental health professional
04:21who will help your child to learn self-control and responsible ways of using his phone.
04:26So parents, get to know your child better, get involved in your child's life, and help
04:33them to enjoy the joys of adolescence in a healthy, happy, and responsible way.