A Guide For Parents
Wondering if your teen is addicted to video games or their phone? Learn the signs of tech addiction, its impact on mental health, and how parents can help kids create healthier screen habits.
When “Normal Use” Becomes Too Much
It’s normal for teens today to spend a lot of time on their phones or gaming. But how do you know when it crosses the line into something more serious—like an addiction? If you’re worried about how much time your teen is spending online, you’re not alone. Many parents are asking the same questions as screens become more central to social lives, entertainment, and even school.
In this guide, we’ll explore the signs of gaming and phone addiction, how they affect mental health, and what you can do to support your teen in creating a healthier balance.
What Is Tech or Gaming Addiction?
Tech and gaming addiction aren’t officially classified as mental disorders in many diagnostic manuals, but they are recognized by health professionals as behavioural addictions. In 2019, the World Health Organization officially included “gaming disorder” in the ICD-11, describing it as a pattern of gaming behaviour characterized by impaired control, increasing priority over other activities, and continuation despite negative consequences [WHO, 2020].
Signs Your Teen May Be Addicted to Their Phone or Games
Here are some common warning signs to look out for:
Behavioural Signs:
- Preoccupation with gaming or phone use
- Irritability, anxiety, or anger when not allowed screen time
- Lying about screen time or sneaking devices
- Neglecting school, sleep, hygiene, or relationships
Emotional or Social Changes:
- Withdrawal from family or offline friends
- Loss of interest in hobbies they once enjoyed
- Mood swings or emotional outbursts
Physical Symptoms:
- Sleep disturbances
- Eye strain, headaches, or back pain
- Fatigue and reduced physical activity
If your teen is showing several of these signs consistently, it may be time to seek support.
Why Tech Overuse Affects Teens Differently
Adolescents are more vulnerable to tech overuse because of how their brains are wired. The teenage brain is highly sensitive to rewards, and gaming and social media are specifically designed to trigger dopamine—our brain’s “feel-good” chemical. This can create a loop that’s hard to break.
Research shows that excessive screen time is linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and lower academic performance in teens (Twenge & Campbell, 2018; )
How to Talk to Your Teen About Screen Use
Bringing up screen time with your teen can be tricky. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid judgment. Start with curiosity: “I’ve noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time online—how are you feeling about it?”
- Listen more than you talk. Understanding their online world helps you build trust.
- Set boundaries together. Involve your teen in creating screen limits that feel fair and achievable.
Helpful Strategies for Managing Tech Use
Here are some family-friendly strategies to create healthier screen habits:
- Set “screen-free” times (e.g., during meals or before bed)
- Use parental controls or screen time tracking apps
- Encourage offline activities like sports, clubs, or volunteering
- Create a tech-free bedroom to improve sleep
When to Seek Professional Help
If your teen’s screen use is interfering with their daily life, affecting their mental health, or causing frequent conflict at home, professional support can make a big difference. Therapists can help identify underlying issues like anxiety, depression, or social isolation that may be driving the behaviour.
Free 20-minute Consultation Available
At our clinic, we offer evidence-based therapy for teens and adults navigating screen use, digital addiction, and mental health challenges. Early support can prevent bigger issues down the road.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Screen
Remember, tech itself isn’t the enemy—it’s how we use it. Helping your teen create a healthy relationship with technology starts with connection, communication, and support. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
References
- Domoff, S. E., Foley, R. P., and Ferkel, R. (2020). Addictive phone use and academic performance in adolescents. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies. 2, 33–38.
- Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive Medicine Reports, 12, 271–283.
- World Health Organization (2020). Addictive behaviours: Gaming disorder. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/addictive-behaviours-gaming-disorder.