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Top 5 Signs of Adolescent Technology Addiction

By Stephen C. Schultz






Top 5 Signs of Adolescent Technology Addiction

I recently received some fascinating insights about gaming and technology use from a good friend of mine, Chris Mulligan, LCSW. Chris is the founder of the Cyber Addiction Recovery Center, located in Culver City, CA. He shared with me a list of the top five signs of technology addiction in teens.

Chris and I had the opportunity to spend some time with students enrolled at Oxbow Academy in rural Utah. These students face a variety of challenges, but a recurring theme seems to be their relationship with technology.

The Fine Line of Healthy Technology Use

Can technology be used in a healthy way? Absolutely. When managed appropriately, technology offers countless opportunities for teens to excel, learn new skills, and even explore future career paths. However, it’s a delicate balance—one that requires parents to stay engaged and regularly check in with their teens about their technology habits.

Here are the Top 5 Signs of Adolescent Technology Addiction:

  1. Difficulty Completing Homework
    You might think, “Doesn’t every teenager struggle with homework?” However, if you notice a significant decline in academic performance, it’s worth digging deeper. Excessive technology use could be a contributing factor.

  2. Reduced Interaction with Offline Friends
    If your teen is spending less time with their real-life friends, it’s a red flag. Technology might be replacing these valuable social connections.

  3. Decline in Offline Hobbies and Interests
    Is your teen spending all their free time jumping between X, Instagram, YouTube, Whisper, TikTok, chat rooms, or online gaming? If they’re neglecting hobbies like sports, music, reading, or outdoor activities, it’s time to reassess their screen time.

  4. Emotional Outbursts
    Does your teen become angry, irritable, or overly emotional when their technology use is limited or structured? This could be a sign of dependency on screens.

  5. Depression or Apathy
    If your teen seems depressed, withdrawn, or apathetic when faced with mandatory breaks from gaming or online activities, it could indicate an unhealthy reliance on technology.

Supporting Your Teen Through Healthy Technology Use

If you’re a parent struggling to navigate the complexities of teen technology use and frequently find yourself in conflict with your child, this list can be a helpful starting point. For more resources, be sure to check out Chris Mulligan’s website (linked above). It offers practical advice, questions to guide conversations with your teen, and steps to take if you suspect a technology addiction.

Join the Conversation

How do you help your teen manage their technology use in an age-appropriate way? Share your comments, personal experiences, and ideas below. Let’s learn from one another!



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Stephen C. Schultz said…
Thank you Cali! Much appreciated!
September 19, 2015 at 5:25 PM
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