I am sure by now you will agree with me that there is also technology addiction in children as well especially nowadays when most of us parents have given our children phones and other gadgets to own.
However, these are some of the signs of technology addiction in children according to specialists at a UK hospital, Dr Graham and Dr Watts:
LACK OF INTEREST IN OTHER ACTIVITIES
One sign a child may have an issue with technology is when a parent is trying to get the child to do something else that is fun - such as going to the cinema or take part in an outdoor activity - and the child is reluctant to do so.
Dr Graham explained that if this reluctance increases and 'it becomes harder and harder to get them to do anything other than engaging with technology', they may be showing signs of addiction.
'A bit of groaning at having to do anything else is common,' added Dr Watts. 'But if your child has difficulty paying attention it's worth finding out what is going on, and whether this is a problem at school too.'
CONSTANTLY TALKING ABOUT OR GETTING DISTRACTED BY TECHNOLOGY
If children talk about when they are next going online, or a parent suspects they are thinking about their next technology fix, they may have an issue.
According to Dr Graham: 'Look for signs of them constantly wanting to get back to their devices. For example, if they keep playing and checking their phone wanting to switch it back on.'
MOOD SWINGS AND ARGUMENTATIVE BEHAVIOUR
Another sign to look for is if the amount of time they spend using devices increases. Equally, if they 'become very sensitive when any concern is expressed about their technology usage to the point it can easily escalate into an argument.'
Some children may tell the adult they don't understand because they didn't have devices when they were growing up.
According to Dr Watts: 'It's difficult for anyone born before 1980 to realise how central social media is to children's lives nowadays.
'Adults tend to have Enid Blyton fantasies of how kids should spend their childhood.'There is going to be a generational difference between you and your kids, but agree some kind of rules on what is allowed, for example "No smartphones at meals".'
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
If a child appears tense or upset when they can't get online, and this feeling noticeably goes away when they are given their devices, they may have a problem said Dr Graham.
'They may become distressed or angry by small things and when they are back online become calmer' and advises parents to check for signs of anxiety, agitation and irritability.
Dr Watts added: 'A little agitation at not being able to be online with one's friends is pretty normal, but if a child continuously can't get over this, its time to start a conversation.'
INCREASE IN LYING OR A RISE IN DEVIOUS BEHAVIOUR
This includes concealing the extent to which they use their devices, hiding them or using them in bed without your knowledge.
Dr Graham said children with potential addiction 'will try to do as much as they can to minimise the extent to which they are asked about their technology use' by keeping it a secret.
Dr Watts added it's normal for children to want to have some space and secrets but advises parents to 'ask friends how much time their similarly-aged kids are spending online, or check forums.'
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