Author Melanie Hempe says, “I look back and feel like I was the drug dealer for my own kid.”
She was describing her son’s addiction to technology. In elementary school, Adam got good grades and was involved in extracurricular activities. But in middle school he became addicted to video games and began dropping out of sports and social activities. Then, she says, “He began dropping out of our family.”
She assumed video games were safe. They were made for children, after all. But the problem grew worse. Adam didn’t want to open presents at Christmas or participate in family functions.Melanie hoped that college might help Adam to mature, but he spent most of his first year gaming and eventually dropped out of school.
Melanie now says, “It’s hard to look back and see that you did something that contributed to pain and suffering in your child’s life.”
Many parents are discovering the same disturbing truth. Technology is one of our culture’s greatest assets, but there’s a dark side to screen use, especially at a young age.
What can you do?
Melanie Hempe, a former nurse who has devoted a large portion of her work to understanding brain development and dopamine’s influence on screen addiction, is joining me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to help parents manage screen use, so their children can develop better life skills, stronger relationships, and healthier technology habits:
• Parents – not children, their peers, or tech companies – should set screen boundaries.
• How to say “no” when other parents say “yes” to technology.
• How to reset your home environment.
• Practical encouragement for parents facing screentime battles in their homes.
• Strategies Melanie developed to help her younger children navigate life without screen time.
Listen to our full conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or on our free phone app.
If addiction to technology is stirring up trouble with your children, we have caring, Christian counselors who can offer guidance. They’ll also direct you to additional resources in your area if necessary. Call us, leave your name and number, and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
Melanie Hempe’s book Kid’s Brains & Screens: Empowering Kids to Overcome Screen Addiction is available for a gift of any amount. Click here or give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
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