Living and raising kids in a digital world means there are so many devices vying for our kids’ attention. Managing screen time is an ever-present struggle for many parents because screens are literally everywhere, leaving a lot of parents to wonder if their kids have—or run the risk of—an addiction to technology. 

If this feels true for you and your kids, you are not alone. And there’s hope: while your kid may love technology and appear to be a bit screen-obsessed, the likelihood of them being obsessed from a clinical viewpoint is unlikely. Unlike drug and alcohol addiction, technology plays an important role in our kids’ lives, and it serves as a way to connect socially. But can too much access to technology negatively impact our kids? 

The short answer is yes. Here’s how to recognize the signs your kid may have an unhealthy relationship with technology: 

• They are unable to entertain themselves without a technology device.
• They have big meltdowns when asked to disengage from their device.
• They prefer spending time with their device rather than with their peers. 

It’s important to weigh the costs and benefits of screen time. Of course, us parents know how providing our kids with technology can benefit us—from uninterrupted work to quick showers to time spent with a spouse or friend—but there are some downsides to consider:

Too much technology can make our kids feel sad. 
Regular screen exposure can hinder a kid’s emotional processing and decision-making skills, and decrease their ability to focus. The easier dopamine spikes from screen time might prevent them from engaging in healthier activities that could give them the same feel-good hormone boost. 

Too much technology can make them aggressive. 
While every kid is unique, some studies show technology can increase levels of aggression and mood shifts when our kids are asked to disengage from screens. 

Screen time can impact sleep. 
Blue light emitted from screens can be harmful and contribute poor sleep. Just two hours of devices before bedtime can decrease melatonin, the hormone that signals to our bodies that it’s time to sleep. 

Screen time inside means less time outside. 
When people interact with nature, it lowers stress, decreases aggression, and aids in focus. Some experts say screen time does the opposite of what nature does. 

Making sure your kid maintains a healthy relationship with technology is one of the many roles of a parent, and there’s no person better for the job than you. If you notice your kid is negatively impacted by their technology usage, there’s always time to adjust your approach to screen time in your home.