An invisible enemy in your pocket
In a world in which digital devices have become an integral part of our everyday lives, internet and cell phone addiction among children and young people has reached alarming proportions. It's an addiction that often flies under the radar - it's silent, invisible, and yet destructive.
A recent study shows that almost 25 percent of teenagers describe themselves as being “almost always online.” The screen of a smartphone or computer is often the last thing they see before bed and the first thing they notice when they wake up.
A 14-year-old boy from Hamburg, who wishes to remain anonymous, reports on his experiences with cell phone addiction: “It started quite harmlessly with a few games and social media apps. Then the hours became more and more until I finally spent every free minute on my cell phone. I neglected friends, hobbies and eventually even school.”
The fine line between use and abuse
Internet and cell phones are not inherently bad. They can support education, make information accessible, and keep us connected to the world. It becomes problematic when these technologies are used excessively and the healthy balance between the digital and real world becomes unbalanced.
Tips for parents and educators
Prevention is key. Here are some tips on how you can protect children and young people from internet and cell phone addiction:
- Set boundaries: Work with your child to set firm rules for cell phone and internet use.
- Be a role model: Your own habits have a big influence on your children. Show them how to use technology responsibly.
- Encourage other activities: Make sure your child spends enough time with friends, pursuing hobbies, or playing sports.
- Education is crucial: Educate your child about the dangers of excessive use of digital media and show alternatives.
Therapeutic interventions – help for self-help
In severe cases, therapy may be necessary. There are various approaches, from behavioral therapy to group therapy, that can help break the cycle of addiction. There are also clinics and counseling centers in Germany that specialize in the treatment of Internet and cell phone addiction.
Together against digital supremacy
Recognizing and combating Internet and cell phone addiction among children and young people is a social task. We are all called upon to rethink our relationship with technology and promote a healthy approach to it. This is the only way we can ensure that the digital world does not become a curse for our children, but rather a blessing.
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

