Parenting Help

Addicted to Technology? 

Dynamic ImageWe live in a culture where addictions are widespread.

Not a day goes by without us hearing about and being reminded of lives ravaged and destroyed by addictions to alcohol, drugs, tobacco, sex, and pornography.

In recent years, the growing catalog of addictions includes things like self-mutilation, tattoos, body-piercing, food, shopping, and fame. Now, the advent and rapid expansion of technology is forcing us to look more seriously at addiction to video gaming, the Internet, text-messaging, social networking, and other developing media platforms.

Because both we and our kids are immersed in life on the emerging Digital Frontier, we must work to understand, prevent, and respond to the dangers associated with electronic addiction.

Addiction is best understood as the dependency and habitual use of something that we eventually believe we can’t live without. An addiction is characterized by an uncontrollable and compulsive use of that thing which eventually (and sometimes very quickly!) has negative health and/or social consequences. My friends Rich Van Pelt and Jim Hancock describe addiction as “a compulsive craving, seeking, and using . . . no matter what” (The Youth Worker’s Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis, 203). Based on these criteria, many of us know and/or are related to persons (perhaps even ourselves!) who are addicted to technology.

Researchers and counselors are currently debating whether or not there is such a thing as “Internet Addiction.” Many are campaigning to have “Internet Addiction” included as a diagnosable disorder in the upcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

As parents called by God to nurture our children through childhood and into a spiritually healthy adulthood, we have the responsibility to be keenly aware of and sensitive to electronic addiction in all of its forms. We must understand its threat, presence, and impact. Consequently, we must be diligent in preparing both ourselves and our children to understand, process, and live with electronic media in ways that bring honor and glory to God.

While there are many signs that point to electronic addiction, you can be sure there’s a problem if you or your child can’t stop using technology. The addict feels uneasy, incomplete, or agitated when digital activity is discontinued or reduced. Addiction occurs when the activity becomes the most important activity in life, dominating one’s thinking, feelings and behavior.

If you think your child is struggling with electronic addiction, here are four initial steps to take to deal with the problem.

 

  1. Confront the problem. Don’t ignore it.
  2. Set limits on technology time and remove the temptations.
  3. Monitor their electronic use.
  4. Get help by enlisting the services of a qualified Christian counselor who has been trained to deal with the underlying spiritual, relational, and emotional issues that have caused and/or resulted from electronic addiction.

 

Take a peek at the Digital Kids Initiative for more information and tools to help you lead the kids you and know into living safely, wisely and to the glory of God on the emerging digital frontier. Or check out all the free youth culture resources and articles from Walt Mueller on his website: CPYU.org

By 94 Comments
Share

Walter Mueller

Walt Mueller is the founder and President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding and has been working with young people and families for over 35 years. As a result of his work with CPYU, Walt has become an internationally-recognized speaker and author on contemporary youth culture. He has written extensively on youth culture and family issues and is the author of the following books: 99 Thoughts for Parents of Teenagers (Group Publishing, 2010); The Space Between: A Parent's Guide to Teenage Development (Zondervan, 2009); Opie Doesn’t Live Here Anymore: Where Faith, Family, and Culture Collide (Standard Publishing, August 2007); Youth Culture 101 (Zondervan, June 2007); I Want to Talk With my Teen About Movies, Music & More (Standard Publishing, September 2006); Engaging The Soul of Youth Culture: Bridging Teen Worldviews To Christian Truth (InterVarsity Press, February 2006); and the critically acclaimed Gold Medallion Award winner, Understanding Today’s Youth Culture (Tyndale House, 1994). He is also a regular contributor to numerous journals and magazines. A graduate of Geneva College (B.A.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Walt earned his doctorate at Gordon-Conwell in “Ministry to Postmodern Generations.” Walt has served in ministry with the Coalition for Christian Outreach and as a youth pastor in churches in Johnstown, PA and Philadelphia. Walt's wife Lisa has served behind the scenes since day one as CPYU’s secretary. A graduate of Geneva College who has a background in radio, Lisa’s voice can be heard on CPYU’s daily Youth Culture Today radio spot. Walt and Lisa live in Elizabethtown and have four children.

Recommended To You

new-school-yearsame-two-rules

New School Year…Same Two Rules

five-nights-a-week

Five Nights a Week

parenting-in-a-pandemic

Parenting in a Pandemic

94 Comments

  1. Jeromesic
    March 21, 2025 at 4:09 pm

    alo789: alo789 dang nh?p – alo789

  2. Arthurwef
    March 24, 2025 at 12:11 am

    https://interpharmonline.shop/# canadapharmacyonline legit
    canadian pharmacy

  3. Jamesjiz
    March 24, 2025 at 3:37 am

    mexican pharmacy online order: Mexican Pharm Inter – buying from online mexican pharmacy

  4. MonteMap
    March 24, 2025 at 4:17 am

    cheapest online pharmacy india india online pharmacy store online pharmacy india

  5. WillisLutle
    March 24, 2025 at 12:13 pm

    http://mexicanpharminter.com/# Mexican Pharm International

  6. MonteMap
    March 24, 2025 at 1:24 pm

    online medicine shopping in india India Med Fast india pharmacy without prescription

  7. Arthurwef
    March 24, 2025 at 4:18 pm

    http://indiamedfast.com/# IndiaMedFast
    canadian drugs

  8. Jamesjiz
    March 24, 2025 at 8:50 pm

    buying from online mexican pharmacy: mexican pharmacy online order – reliable mexican pharmacies

  9. Arthurwef
    March 24, 2025 at 10:29 pm

    https://mexicanpharminter.shop/# Mexican Pharm International
    reliable canadian pharmacy

  10. MonteMap
    March 24, 2025 at 11:32 pm

    canadian pharmacy king reviews online canadian pharmacy no prescription reputable canadian pharmacy

  11. Jamesjiz
    March 25, 2025 at 4:16 am

    cross border pharmacy canada: Inter Pharm Online – canadian mail order pharmacy

  12. Arthurwef
    March 25, 2025 at 5:03 am

    https://interpharmonline.shop/# canadian mail order pharmacy
    canadian 24 hour pharmacy

  13. MonteMap
    March 25, 2025 at 11:11 am

    online pharmacy india cheapest online pharmacy india cheapest online pharmacy india

  14. Arthurwef
    March 25, 2025 at 11:41 am

    https://mexicanpharminter.shop/# mexican pharmacy online order
    reliable canadian online pharmacy

  15. Jamesjiz
    March 25, 2025 at 11:50 am

    canadian pharmacy no scripts: highest rated canadian online pharmacy – canadian drug

  16. WillisLutle
    March 25, 2025 at 2:06 pm

    http://mexicanpharminter.com/# mexican pharmacy online order

  17. Arthurwef
    March 25, 2025 at 6:35 pm

    http://indiamedfast.com/# online pharmacy india
    certified canadian pharmacy

  18. Jamesjiz
    March 25, 2025 at 7:47 pm

    my canadian pharmacy rx: Pharmacies in Canada that ship to the US – canadian pharmacy world

  19. MonteMap
    March 25, 2025 at 11:18 pm

    reliable mexican pharmacies mexican pharmacy online mexican drug stores online

  20. KennethLus
    March 26, 2025 at 12:42 am

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra gel kopen

  21. Williamben
    March 26, 2025 at 3:13 am

    Generic100mgEasy: Generic100mgEasy – Generic100mgEasy

  22. GregoryAnter
    March 26, 2025 at 4:29 am

    Generic 100mg Easy: Generic100mgEasy – Generic100mgEasy

  23. TerryErose
    March 26, 2025 at 8:50 am

    https://generic100mgeasy.shop/# Generic 100mg Easy

  24. DwayneLah
    March 26, 2025 at 9:32 am

    Kamagra Kopen kamagra 100mg kopen Officiele Kamagra van Nederland

  25. GregoryAnter
    March 26, 2025 at 10:28 am

    buy generic 100mg viagra online: buy generic 100mg viagra online – Generic 100mg Easy

  26. GregoryAnter
    March 26, 2025 at 4:29 pm

    Tadalafil Easy Buy: Buy Cialis online – TadalafilEasyBuy.com

  27. KennethLus
    March 26, 2025 at 6:12 pm

    http://tadalafileasybuy.com/# cialis without a doctor prescription

  28. DwayneLah
    March 26, 2025 at 7:02 pm

    Tadalafil Easy Buy cialis without a doctor prescription TadalafilEasyBuy.com

  29. GregoryAnter
    March 26, 2025 at 11:20 pm

    Generic 100mg Easy: Generic 100mg Easy – Sildenafil Citrate Tablets 100mg

  30. KennethLus
    March 27, 2025 at 12:59 am

    https://generic100mgeasy.com/# cheapest viagra

  31. DwayneLah
    March 27, 2025 at 6:49 am

    cialis without a doctor prescription Tadalafil price Tadalafil Easy Buy

  32. GregoryAnter
    March 27, 2025 at 7:14 am

    Kamagra: kamagra jelly kopen – kamagra 100mg kopen

  33. GregoryAnter
    March 27, 2025 at 2:31 pm

    TadalafilEasyBuy.com: Tadalafil Easy Buy – TadalafilEasyBuy.com

  34. KennethLus
    March 27, 2025 at 2:41 pm

    https://tadalafileasybuy.shop/# Tadalafil Easy Buy

  35. DwayneLah
    March 27, 2025 at 6:18 pm

    buy generic 100mg viagra online Generic100mgEasy Generic 100mg Easy

  36. KennethLus
    March 27, 2025 at 9:09 pm

    https://generic100mgeasy.shop/# Viagra online price

  37. GregoryAnter
    March 27, 2025 at 9:43 pm

    kamagra pillen kopen: Kamagra Kopen Online – kamagra gel kopen

  38. TerryErose
    March 27, 2025 at 11:40 pm

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# Officiele Kamagra van Nederland

  39. Williamben
    March 28, 2025 at 4:32 am

    Kamagra: Kamagra Kopen Online – Kamagra

  40. GregoryAnter
    March 28, 2025 at 4:47 am

    Officiele Kamagra van Nederland: Officiele Kamagra van Nederland – kamagra gel kopen

  41. DwayneLah
    March 28, 2025 at 5:46 am

    Kamagra Kopen Online Kamagra Kopen Online Kamagra Kopen Online

  42. GregoryAnter
    March 28, 2025 at 11:38 am

    Generic100mgEasy: Generic100mgEasy – Generic100mgEasy

  43. TerryErose
    March 28, 2025 at 12:03 pm

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra jelly kopen

  44. KennethLus
    March 28, 2025 at 3:48 pm

    http://generic100mgeasy.com/# Generic 100mg Easy

  45. DwayneLah
    March 28, 2025 at 4:54 pm

    kamagra gel kopen Kamagra KamagraKopen.pro

  46. GregoryAnter
    March 28, 2025 at 6:24 pm

    Kamagra: Kamagra Kopen Online – kamagra pillen kopen

  47. Jamesmig
    March 28, 2025 at 9:12 pm

    пин ап казино – пин ап вход

  48. Jessedib
    March 29, 2025 at 12:53 am

    пин ап казино зеркало: https://pinupkz.life/

  49. DwayneLah
    March 29, 2025 at 6:34 am

    kamagra jelly kopen kamagra kopen nederland Kamagra Kopen Online

  50. Jessedib
    March 29, 2025 at 7:27 am

    пин ап казино официальный сайт: https://pinupkz.life/

  51. Jessedib
    March 29, 2025 at 2:10 pm

    пин ап казино зеркало: https://pinupkz.life/

  52. Jessedib
    March 29, 2025 at 8:51 pm

    пин ап казино официальный сайт: https://pinupkz.life/

  53. DwayneLah
    March 29, 2025 at 8:54 pm

    TadalafilEasyBuy.com Tadalafil Easy Buy Tadalafil Easy Buy

  54. Jessedib
    March 30, 2025 at 3:22 am

    пинап казино: https://pinupkz.life/

  55. DwayneLah
    March 30, 2025 at 8:16 am

    kamagra kopen nederland Kamagra Kopen Online kamagra jelly kopen

  56. Jamesmig
    March 30, 2025 at 11:28 am

    пин ап вход – пин ап

  57. Jessedib
    March 30, 2025 at 5:16 pm

    пин ап казино зеркало: https://pinupkz.life/

  58. Jamesmig
    March 30, 2025 at 5:52 pm

    pinup 2025 – пин ап казино официальный сайт

  59. DwayneLah
    March 30, 2025 at 7:47 pm

    Kamagra Kopen Online Kamagra Kopen Kamagra Kopen

  60. DerekUnoto
    March 31, 2025 at 1:04 am

    Kamagra kaufen: Kamagra Gel – Kamagra online bestellen

  61. HomerHop
    March 31, 2025 at 4:52 am

    https://kamagrapotenzmittel.shop/# Kamagra kaufen

  62. Malcolmnag
    March 31, 2025 at 5:46 am

    apotek online recept Apoteket online apotek pa nett

  63. LouisCig
    March 31, 2025 at 6:29 am

    https://kamagrapotenzmittel.shop/# kamagra

  64. DerekUnoto
    March 31, 2025 at 6:52 am

    Kamagra kaufen: Kamagra online bestellen – Kamagra Oral Jelly kaufen

  65. HomerHop
    March 31, 2025 at 10:54 am

    http://kamagrapotenzmittel.com/# Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept

  66. LouisCig
    March 31, 2025 at 11:32 am

    https://apotheekmax.shop/# de online drogist kortingscode

  67. Malcolmnag
    March 31, 2025 at 3:10 pm

    Apotheek online bestellen Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept

  68. HomerHop
    March 31, 2025 at 4:56 pm

    http://kamagrapotenzmittel.com/# Kamagra Original

  69. DerekUnoto
    March 31, 2025 at 5:59 pm

    online apotheek: Online apotheek Nederland met recept – Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept

  70. HomerHop
    March 31, 2025 at 11:51 pm

    https://apotheekmax.shop/# Beste online drogist

  71. DerekUnoto
    April 1, 2025 at 12:29 am

    Apotheek Max: Online apotheek Nederland met recept – online apotheek

  72. Malcolmnag
    April 1, 2025 at 1:34 am

    Apoteket online Apotek hemleverans recept apotek online recept

  73. HomerHop
    April 1, 2025 at 7:28 am

    https://apotekonlinerecept.shop/# apotek online recept

  74. Malcolmnag
    April 1, 2025 at 12:51 pm

    online apotheek Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept de online drogist kortingscode

  75. HomerHop
    April 1, 2025 at 3:03 pm

    http://apotekonlinerecept.com/# Apotek hemleverans recept

  76. LouisCig
    April 1, 2025 at 6:30 pm

    https://kamagrapotenzmittel.shop/# Kamagra online bestellen

  77. HomerHop
    April 1, 2025 at 10:31 pm

    https://kamagrapotenzmittel.com/# Kamagra Original

  78. Malcolmnag
    April 1, 2025 at 11:57 pm

    kamagra Kamagra Original Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept

  79. HomerHop
    April 2, 2025 at 6:25 am

    https://apotekonlinerecept.com/# Apoteket online

  80. MichaelTwedO
    April 2, 2025 at 9:44 am

    Kamagra online bestellen: Kamagra Gel – Kamagra Gel

  81. DerekUnoto
    April 2, 2025 at 11:16 am

    Apoteket online: Apotek hemleverans recept – Apoteket online

  82. Malcolmnag
    April 2, 2025 at 11:42 am

    Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept Apotheek online bestellen Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept

  83. HomerHop
    April 2, 2025 at 2:33 pm

    http://apotekonlinerecept.com/# Apotek hemleverans recept

  84. DerekUnoto
    April 2, 2025 at 6:34 pm

    Apotheek online bestellen: Beste online drogist – ApotheekMax

  85. HomerHop
    April 2, 2025 at 10:27 pm

    http://apotheekmax.com/# Apotheek Max

  86. Trentswozy
    April 3, 2025 at 6:29 am

    mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa: mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa – purple pharmacy mexico price list

  87. EdwinHug
    April 3, 2025 at 8:26 am

    mexico drug stores pharmacies: Agb Mexico Pharm – Agb Mexico Pharm

  88. RobertFem
    April 3, 2025 at 9:27 am

    pharmacies in mexico that ship to usa Agb Mexico Pharm Agb Mexico Pharm

  89. Trentswozy
    April 3, 2025 at 12:58 pm

    canadian mail order pharmacy: prescription drugs canada buy online – adderall canadian pharmacy

  90. RobertFem
    April 3, 2025 at 7:13 pm

    indian pharmacies safe www india pharm buy medicines online in india

  91. Trentswozy
    April 3, 2025 at 7:20 pm

    reputable mexican pharmacies online: reputable mexican pharmacies online – Agb Mexico Pharm

  92. Matthewexogs
    April 3, 2025 at 8:06 pm

    http://gocanadapharm.com/# safe canadian pharmacy

  93. EdwinHug
    April 3, 2025 at 8:18 pm

    certified canadian international pharmacy: GoCanadaPharm – ed meds online canada

  94. Trentswozy
    April 4, 2025 at 2:54 am

    www india pharm: www india pharm – reputable indian pharmacies

Reply your comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*