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Since the advent of the Third Industrial Revolution, also known as the Digital Revolution era, the use of the internet — and particularly social media — has continued to increase among both children and adults.
Despite its significant advantages, the impact of social media cannot be understated, from the ease of communication to enhancing business transactions and aiding learning, among other benefits.
Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) have gained continual popularity among users.
However, addiction to any or all of these platforms, and many others, is an issue that has affected productivity —most times, negatively.
According to global consumer research website GWI, nearly half of 12- to 15-year-olds (48 per cent) use TikTok every day, up from 37 per cent in 2022.
Additionally, nearly a third (30 per cent) of individuals aged 16 to 24, 29 per cent of those aged 25 to 34, and 22 per cent of the 35 to 44 age group are spending over six hours daily on social media, as reported by The Sun on Monday. These figures highlight the growing trend of teenagers dedicating significant amounts of time to social media platforms.
Credit: The Sun
Here are some signs that may indicate your child is addicted to social media:
1. Poor sleeping patterns
According to information from Great Ormond Street Hospital, reviewed in June 2023, children above the age of six need up to 12 hours of sleep within 24 hours. Excessive time spent on social media, however, can disrupt this.
Counsellor and psychotherapist Claire Law noted that constant exposure to screen time is addictive, stating, “It’s not just kids’ brains that are overstimulated — constant screen exposure, especially late at night, leaves us wired. The blue light from screens messes with melatonin production, wrecking sleep patterns.
“Mood swings, anxiety, and withdrawal are also common signs of too much time spent online. If children are abandoning hobbies they once loved for hours of scrolling or can’t seem to focus on anything else, it’s a warning sign that their virtual life is overtaking the real one.
“Kids tell me they love TikTok because ‘it’s hilarious’ and ‘there’s always something new’. Each scroll pumps out the hormone dopamine, making them feel good and keeping them hooked.”
Credit: The Sun
This lack of sleep can lead to limited energy during the day and a dampened mood.
“A solid rule? No screens at least an hour before bed to help them—and you—wind down. If your child is spending more than two hours a day on social media, it might be time to draw some boundaries. Balance is crucial— when screen time starts encroaching on things like homework or outdoor fun, it’s a problem,” Claire advised.
Behaviour specialist Simbarashe Shamu also stated, “Research has found that stopping social media usage one hour before bedtime leads to improved sleep outcomes.”
2. Poor posture
Spending excessive time in front of screens, whether using mobile phones or laptops, while sitting in poor positions can distort physical development.
Hypnotherapist Chris Meaden told The Sun, “The curved-neck position from being on the phone for hours will eventually lead to physical issues— if not immediately, then in the future.
“The body is designed to move and flex, not remain in a rigid position for
hours every day.”
Credit: Time4Sleep/The Sun
Claire suggests looking out for slumped shoulders or stiff hands, as constant phone use can lead to a ‘texting claw’.
“Encourage regular breaks and involve them in activities that strengthen their hands, like drawing or moulding clay, to counteract these effects,” she added.
3. Heightened emotions
Meaden asserted that excessive use of social media can cause emotional imbalances in children.
He added that this can affect the child’s mental health, diminishing their attention span and social behaviour, through biological and environmental factors may also be involved.
“In my experience, social media has a powerful influence over our children and can lead to an increase in anxiety, depression, self-harm, and much more.
“It affects a child’s development, social skills, attention span, and overall mental well-being, with real-world activities being displaced by virtual ones,” Meaden said.
Shamu added that a child addicted to social media may also frequently request to be left alone. “You may notice that social media becomes the most important part of their day, and there is a need for increasing amounts of time spent online to achieve the same buzz.”
Meaden noted, “A parent may notice their child retreating to their room more than usual. They may become more irritable or angry, be exhausted, and their eating habits may change.”
4. Irritability and anger
Experts warn that excessive time on social media can lead to behavioural imbalances.
Children may become more irritable and angry over small matters, while their learning habits may be negatively impacted.
“When children spend too much time on social media, they become more irritable, get frustrated over trivial issues, and experience impatience, anger, and rage,” Meaden explained.
“As adults, we should be able to manage our screen time. A child’s brain, however, isn’t developed enough to do this, so parents need to step in and manage it for them.”
Claire added, “Excessive screen time can rewire your child’s brain, making it harder to focus and regulate emotions. You might notice them becoming more impatient when they’re not using their phone.
“The constant stream of quick hits from social media conditions their brains to crave instant rewards, leaving them frustrated with slower, real-world tasks like schoolwork.”
Regulating your child’s screen time can help address these issues.
5. Refusal to share social media logins
While children have a right to some degree of privacy and ownership of their devices, parents should be concerned if their child refuses to share their social media passwords.
“Parents should monitor their child’s direct messages, especially any hidden ones. They should also review the photos shared with their children, including selfies and videos,” Meaden advised.
Credit: Reddit
According to the Children’s Commissioner’s Office in England, 45 per cent of children aged eight to 17 have encountered content they found inappropriate or that made them feel worried or upset.
While there are no specific official guidelines regarding social media usage, parents and guardians should establish rules at home to help curb social media addiction in children.
“Have open discussions about your kids’ online habits and set boundaries everyone can adhere to, such as no screens during meals or before bed,” Claire suggested.
Establishing rules that dictate when phones can be used — banning them during meals or ensuring they are left to charge downstairs when children go to bed—can also help, as noted by The Sun.
Claire adds, “If children are glued to their screens, ask yourself if you’re doing the same. Kids often mimic what they see, and when they’re addicted to social media, it’s often a reflection of what’s happening at home.
“Boundaries like no phones at the dinner table or before bed aren’t just for kids; they benefit us as well.”
If possible, try limiting your social media usage when you’re with your children.
