J M
- Screen Dependency Disorder or SDD is the screen-related addictive behavior that is closely associated with Internet Dependency Disorder
- SDD’s is determined when a child’s eyes are constantly glued to their gadget’s screens.
- Symptoms include insomnia, bachache, weight gain or loss, eyesight problems, headache, and poor nutrition.
The importance of limiting the screentime for children has always been emphasized in the internet, and even by Pediatricians. According to the updated guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP, the recommended maximum amount of screentime for kids ages 2 to 5 years years is only a maximum amount of one hour per day while babies below 18 months old should completely avoid it.
Research has claimed that prolonged gadget usage can lead to something called Screen Dependency Disorder or SDD, wherein it may hurt your children, from sleep problems and difficulties with communication to socialization and brain development.
SDD is a screen-related ‘addictive’ behavior. According to US-baste psychologist and author research paper “Screen Dependency Disorders: A New Challenge for Child Neurology”, Dr. Aric Sigman, the disorder is closely associated with the Internet Addiction Disorder.
Claudetter Avelino-Tandoc, a Family Life and Child Development specialist and Early Childhood Education consultant, states that children as young as 3-4 years old have the possibility of having SDD. She explained that kids with SSD grab their devices as soon as they wake up and eat at the dining table while their eyes are glued the the screen watching shows, playing games, or browsing different apps.
The disorder can be determined by a myriad of symptoms like insomnia, bachache, weight gain or loss, eyesight problems, headache, and poor nutrition as the physical symptoms. Emotional Symptoms are made up of anxiety, dishonesty, feelings of guilt, and loneliness. Avleino-Tandoc added that many kids who suffer from SDD are most likely to isolate themselves from others and are often agitated and suffer from mood swings.
In addition to that, Sigman’s research states that those who are addicted to screens also show dependent, problematic behavior including withdrawal symptoms, increasing tolerance for screen use, failure to reduce or stop screen activities, lying about the extent of use, loss of outside interests, and continuous usage of screen despite adverse consequences.
If you think your kid exhibits the symptoms mentioned, Avelino-Tandoc advised that you seek the help of a development pediatrician so that your child can be properly diagnosed.
“They should also be alarmed when regular family routine or tasks cannot be performed by the child anymore because he or she cannot be ‘taken out’ from screen time… he parents or caregivers should supply the doctor with their child’s behavior as they have observed at home. He may also have his own set of tests and questions for both the parents and the child.”
One of SDD’s long-term effects is brain damage. According to studies, impulse control (part of the brain that tells you to get stuff done) suffers alongside the brain’s capacity to plan, prioritize, and organize. Another damage is done in an area called “insula” which develops empathy and compassion for others. Exessive screen-time can also cause inefficient information processing and poor task performance.
“Devices or gadgets are not bad per se. They are useful and essential tools for communication, research, learning, entertainment, among other things. Parents are dealing with 21st-century learners, what we call ‘digital natives.’ They should allow their kids to manipulate these tools. However, balance is the key word,”
