Teens and Technology by NikkiSiegel

Teens and

Technology

Mandee Grant Melton Jefferson Nikki Siegel Julia Smith

Table of Contents Background

Solution 1: In the home

Solution 2: In the schools

Solution 3: In the world

Works cited

Appendix

Background History US Department of Defense started the use of computer networks as early as 1960. More of the computer networking began to grow in the 1960s and early 1970s. In 1982 the internet protocol was introduced. Since the mid-1990s, the internet has had a revolutionary impact on the culture and commerce, including the rise of near instant communication. Beginning around 1990, computers and the Internet were becoming more and more available to the general public. Web 2.0 is known as the beginning of the Mobile Revolution, meaning that computers in the form of smartphones became something people used, took with them everywhere, communicated with, and used for photographs and video they instantly shared. The first phone with internet connectivity was the Nokia 900, launched in Finland in

1996. 1999 is considered the birth of the mobile phone internet services. Since then, a condition called Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) or Problematic Internet Use (PIU) ( Cash, et al, & Young) has appeared. This disorder ruins the lives of individuals and families. The definition of Internet addiction is varied, but one that is used frequently is “any online-related, compulsive behavior which interferes with normal living and causes severe stress on family, friends, loved ones, and one’s work environment,” according to netaddiction.com/faqs. Cash, et al, describe Internet addiction behavior as “spending many hours in non-working technology related computer/Internet/video game activities.” Dr. Kimberly Young, a well-known, licensed psychologist and an internationally known expert on Internet addiction tells us this

about Internet addiction: retreat into corners of the internet where they “Internet addiction can be understood can find quick success – a dominant ranking by comparing it to other types of addicin a game or a well-liked Facebook post – that tions. Individuals addicted to alcohol they don’t have in the real world. or other drugs, for example, develop a We tend to take behaviors such as ignoring all relationship with their “chemical(s) of else for the sake of a smartphone or living a choice” — a relationship that takes prelarge part of life in a virtual world as normal. cedence over any and all other aspects But in an increasing number of cases, such beof their lives. Addicts find they need havior isn’t normal. It has crossed the line over drugs merely to feel normal. In Internet into addiction. addiction, a parallel situation exists. The A number of studies have looked at Internet — like food or drugs in other not only internet addiction generally, but also addictions — provides the “high” and ad- addiction to social networking websites, and dicts become dependent on this cyberFacebook in particular. For example, a recent space high to feel normal. They substistudy at the University of Albany found that tute unhealthy relationships for healthy excessive use of online social networking webones. They opt for temporary pleasure sites like Facebook can not only be addictive, rather than the but also that such deeper qualiSome psychologists claim 5 to usage may be associties of “norated with problems 10 percent of the population mal” intimate such as substance relationships. suffer from Internet addiction. abuse. Internet ad Similarly, an earlier diction follows study at the Univerthe same progressive nature of other sity of Bergen found that women, extroverts addictions. Internet addicts struggle to and people unable to sleep until very late at control their behaviors, and experience night were particularly in danger of becoming despair over their constant failure to addicted to Facebook. Yet another study by do so. Their loss of self-esteem grows, researchers in California found that the comfueling the need to escape even further pulsive use of social media websites such as into their addictive behaviors. A sense Facebook resulted in the same kind of changes of powerlessness pervades the lives of in people’s brains as those caused by drug adaddicts.” diction. As in the case of other types of addic Those who say they suffer from internet tion, there are two types of behaviors found addiction share many symptoms with other in internet addiction. The first is a constant or types of addicts in terms of which chemicals increasing desire to interact with the object of are released into the brain. The pleasure centhe addiction. The second is feeling bad when ters of the brain light up when introduced to that interaction isn’t available. the stimulus. Addicts lose interest in other hobbies or, sometimes, never develop any. When not allowed to go online, they experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, depression or even physical shaking. They

Scope “I would rather not eat for a week than get my phone taken away. It’s really bad, I literally feel like I’m going to die.” — Gia, 13 A typical day in the life of a Generation Z teen, also known as a “digital native” (Williams, Move Over Millennials), includes an average of 9 hours texting, posting, gaming, and watching videos—usually while they studying for school. Gen. Z is by far the most connected generation in the United States. They have grown up in front of the internet, video games, and phone apps. While they are hailed as the “next big thing for market researchers, cultural observers and trend forecasters” (Williams, Move Over Millennials), there is a growing concern over the amount of time they are spending connected to screen time. Symptoms of a technology or gaming addiction may be difficult to recognize. An addict will usually try to hide his or her addiction. He or she may play when no one is around or stay home from work or school simply to play a game. That person will also play it off as if it is normal or a healthy activity. As technology addiction typically doesn’t involve physical risks, it may be easier to manage than a drug or alcohol addiction. However, the psychological problems that may develop can be very negative. Researchers have found that almost one in eight Americans suffer from one form of Internet addiction or another. Over 70% of Internet addicts suffer from other addictions, “mainly drugs, alcohol, smoking and sex” (Young). Technology addiction is a growing trend affecting millions of teens across the United States. From video games, to social media apps, to the internet—this generation lives to stay connected.

It’s in the numbers • The average teen spends close to 9 hours each day using media technology. (Common Sense.org) • Students who multi-task on their laptops during a lecture performed worse on tests than students who were not multitasking. • 78% of teens check their devices every hour. (CommonSense.org) • 52% of teens feel that they spend too much time on their devices. • 92% of teens use the internet to socialize, play, and shop. (Ramasubbu, From Gen X to Y and Z: Technology and the Generation Gap) • 75% of 12- to 17-year-olds own cell phones, up from 45% in 2004. (“Children, Adolescents, and the Media.” Table of Contents. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June 2016.) • 88% of teens use text messaging. (“Children, Adolescents, and the Media.” Table of Contents. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June 2016.) • 20% of adolescents either sent or received a sexually explicit image by cell phone or Internet. (“Children, Adolescents, and the Media.” Table of Contents. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June 2016.)

The ramifications of Internet addiction are very simple – yet very painful – when experienced. Marriages can and are being destroyed. Spouses see themselves as a hindrance for the addiction instead of a priority. Other family relationships are lost because no time is spent nurturing them or giving the family a reason to want to be around when the addiction takes precedence over everything else. Dating relationships go nowhere because time and commitment are centered on the addiction, not the relationship. Jobs are lost because the employee stays up late with the addiction and cannot show up to work on time or mentally or physically prepared to work. Colleges are kicking the addicted out of school because missing assignments and tests lead to failing grades. The addicted has other priorities than school. When the addicted becomes so discouraged with his/her addiction depression may set in and that can lead to other addictive behaviors including drugs and alcohol. Teenagers find validation and companionship in social media while they are missing their real life. They often struggle with anxiety disorder or depression and social media distracts them from “negative emotions and troubling thoughts.” Social media is one way to relieve stress and decompress, especially for those with few social skills. Teens may often have a problem fitting in and socializing means that he “has access to a larger world than is available at school.” The media is a way for him to feel accepted and worthwhile. Teenagers who struggle with addiction of any kind are at a greater risk for Internet addiction. Social addiction is a psychological escape for troubled, addicted teens. Additional ramifications that can occur with Internet addictions are sleep disorders that can lead to memory problems, thinking

clearly and reduced cognitive and learning skills. Stress is amplified which in turn increases health problems including not eating or not eating correctly. When playing games becomes too constant, Carpel tunnel Syndrome can become a problem and may lead to surgery to relieve the pain. When a lot of time is spent on social media, Internet addicts are more likely to display negative personality traits like narcissism. Because of the number of “selfies” taken, an unhealthy self-centeredness occurs. There is a loss of social life as the addicts distance themselves from relationships, which then makes it harder and harder to cope with stress.

Andrew Fulton’s problems with Internet addiction began when he was in high school. He was an honors student and a musician, but when he was stressed he turned to playing video games for up to six hours a day. Although his parents knew he was gaming a lot, they didn’t think much of it since his grades were good and everything seemed okay. “It’s really like a therapeutic release. All that social anxiety I felt in school just went away because I could be whoever I wanted to be,” he said, “it’s kind of like a full-body buzz.” However, when Andrew began college his addiction took over his life. He began to play video games for up to 16 hours a day missing classes and staying up late at night. He quit eating and “kept pushing out everything else.” He lost 30 pounds and flunked out of college. When he returned home from college his parents said that he looked completely different, “a shell of a son.” Andrew spent six months in the country’s first residential program for Internet addiction, called reStart. He is now back at school and doesn’t want to ever go back to the way he was.

Signs youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re addicted According to KW Beard, from the Psychology Department, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, one test to see if you are afflicted with this is to consider the following statements: 1. You are preoccupied with the Internet. (You think about previous online activity or anticipate next online session.) 2. You need to use the Internet with increased amounts of time in order to achieve satisfaction. 3. You have made several unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop Internet use. 4. You are restless, moody, depressed, or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop Internet use. 5. You have stayed online longer than originally intended. 6. You have jeopardized or risked the loss of a significant relationship, job, educational or career opportunity because of the Internet. 7. You have lied to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with the Internet.

in the home solution 1

Why should families be concerned? Most stories about adolescents and the internet underscore the very real dangers of cyberbullies, sexual predators, and online scams that imperil unsuspecting, vulnerable teens. Another risk? The teens themselves. Many spend hours online, emailing, instant messaging, downloading music, and updating Facebook pages, with some visiting game sites, shopping, and gambling online. All of this access can be dangerous; those who abuse the internet can become trapped in a cyber riptide of sorts, pulled in further and further as their time online increases, their school performance declines, and their family and peer relationships begin to suffer. Take Melanie (not her real name), a sixteen-year-old Greenwich Village student, who spent up to seven hours a day updating her Face book page and instant messaging with friends. When her previously high grades began to drop, her parents confiscated her desk-

top, and Melanie threatened to leave home. “For an entire year I saw nothing but the back of my daughter’s head,” Melanie’s dad explains. “So I took the computer away. When she became inconsolable and accused us of ruining her social life--she couldn’t update her Face book page--we knew there was a serious problem.” Turned out, Melanie was down and out over a flirtation with a boy that had gone nowhere. Once she and her parents began to talk about what was bothering her, their home situation improved dramatically.The family worked it out and she stayed put--with the help of intensive outpatient therapy.

What can parents do? Address the problem

In a two-parent household, it is critical that both parents present a united front. As parents, each must take the issue seriously and agree on common goals. Parents should discuss the situation together and if necessary, compromise on desired goals so that when they approach their child, they will be coming from the same page. If not, the child will appeal to the more skeptical parent and create division between the parents. In a single-parent household, the parent needs to take some time to think about what needs to be said and to prepare for the likely emotional response from the child. A child who is addicted to the Internet or becoming addicted to it will feel threatened at the very idea of curbing computer time. A single parent needs to be prepared for an emotional outburst laden with accusatory phrases designed to make the parent feel guilty or inadequate. It is important not to respond to the emotion— or worse yet, get sidetracked with a lecture on disrespect. The parent should acknowledge the child’s feelings but stay focused on the topic of his or her Internet use.

Show they care

It will help for parents to begin their discussion by reminding their child that they love him or her and that they care about his or her happiness and well-being. Children often interpret questions about their behavior as blame and criticism. Parents need to reassure their child that they are not condemning him or her. Rather, tell their child they are concerned about some of the changes seen in his or her behavior and refer to those changes in specific terms: fatigue, declining grades, giving up hobbies, social withdrawal, etc. Assign an Internet time log– parents should tell their child that they would like to see an accounting

of just how much time he or she spends online each day and which internet activities are being engage in. Parents should remind the child that with television they can monitor viewing habits more easily, but with the Internet parents need the child’s help and cooperation to become appropriately involved. Parents should put the child on the honor system to keep the log themselves for a week or two to build trust. If the child balks at this idea or clearly lies in the log, parents are likely dealing with the child’s denial of addiction.

Become more computer-savvy

Checking history folders and Internet logs, learning about monitoring software, and installing filters all require a degree of computer savvy. It is important for every parent to learn the terms (both technical and popular) and be comfortable with the computer, at least enough to know what the child is doing online. Parents should take an active interest in the Internet and learn about where their child goes online.

Set reasonable rules

Many parents get angry when they see the signs of Internet addiction in their child and take the computer away as a form of punishment. Others become frightened and force their child to quit cold turkey, believing that is the only way to get rid of the problem. Both approaches invite trouble – the child will internalize the message that he or she is bad, the child will look at you as the enemy instead of an ally, and the child will suffer real withdrawal symptoms of nervousness, anger, and irritability. Instead, parents should work with the child to establish clear boundaries for limited Internet usage. Parents should allow perhaps an hour per night after homework, with a few extra weekend hours. Parents should stick to their rules and remember that they’re not simply trying to control him or her - they are working to free the child of a psychological dependence. Make the computer visible– Parents should move their child’s personal computer out of his or her bedroom.

Opposing Viewpoints According to Donna Markus, clinical director of AddictionSolutions.com, referring to behaviors as addictive is becoming more common, but professionals have varied views on what should be considered addiction. “Today, it’s fairly common to hear the terms ‘addict’ and ‘addiction’ applied to a wide variety of behaviors by professionals as well as nonprofessionals,” she explains. Nevertheless, she adds, “Although alcohol and other drug addictions have been studied for decades, mental health professionals continue to hold disparate beliefs regarding the etiology and nature of addiction.”

In the past, professionals defined addiction as physical dependence on a drug. Craving, increased tolerance, and withdrawal were considered clinical evidence of this dependence. Craving involves an intense desire for the drug, tolerance means that the user needs more and more to achieve the high, and withdrawal is the physical and mental suffering that occurs when drug use is discontinued. Professionals who support this definition of addiction believe that only drugs can induce physiological dependence; thus people can only be addicted to drugs, not behaviors.

in the School solution 2

Why should educators be concerned? In classrooms across the U.S., test scores are dropping, grades are failing, and teens are exhibiting symptoms of ADD and ADHD at alarming amounts. Teens today have grown up surrounded by video games, cell phones, computers, and all kinds of devices. While many of these gadgets have introduced fast and easy ways to learn, they also provide an endless amount of distraction. Since educators spend anywhere from 8-10 hours a day with their students, they are often the first to recognize when there is a problem. The symptoms and resulting issues of a teen addicted to technology show up in the following ways: • Bad grades • Loss of sleep • Inability to focus

• Poor relationships • Lack of empathy/compassion for others • Diagnosis of ADD/ADHD • Sedentary lifestyle/obesity • Lack of problem solving skills • Impaired decision making • Brain atrophy • Violent behavior • Decreased memory • Lack of responsibility • Disconnect from reality • Depression • Cyber-bulling

What can Educators do? Digital Balance: Educators should talk to teens about rules and etiquette of being an upstanding digital citizen on social media sites. Common Sense Media refers to this as “digital balance,” and have broken it down into six age appropriate conversations educators can have with their students; • Grades 3-5: Digital Passport and Digital Citizenship Pledge • Grades 6-8: Digital Life 101 and My Media • Grades 9-12: Digital Life 102 and Digital Bytes Educators should teach students about how too much technology will affect their brains, relationships, and feelings. It’s important to help them understand the online distinctions between friends and strangers, as well as what it means to be cyber-bullied, or to be a cyber-bully. Talk with the Students: It’s easy for teens to discount what their parents say, but when the advice comes from an adult they respect, it can be a different story. There are so many different and age-appropriate conversations educators can have with students. Some include self-image, how to communicate face to face and over technology, cell phone etiquette, cyberbullying, internet safety, privacy issues, copyright laws, sending email, interaction over social media, how to maintain meaningful friendships, online communities, respecting others in gaming and internet forums, and how to create a safe password. Utilize Classroom Management Tools: These apps and websites can help educators manage digital distractions in the classroom, allowing students to stay focused, and the classroom to run more efficiently.

Use Technology in the Classroom: When multimedia is used in the classroom correctly, educators can teach teens how to responsibly interact with technology, and keep them active and engaged in learning. By providing a monitored environment, educators can help young people learn how to be disciplined in their approach to technology. Connect with Parents: It’s important to keep parents in the know when it comes to their children and technology. Educators should point parents to various online resources, articles and videos that will educate them, as well. From conversations about cyberbullying, to photo sharing, to online safety, staying connected with parents offers additional support and education to teens and their families. Implement After School Programs: There are various educational programs that teach teens the importance of digital citizenship. Common Sense Media offers a program that explains real-world solutions to common technology issues. Offer Support: If a teen does reach out for help because of an internet or gaming addiction, teachers should refer them to the school counselor. Teachers can also recommend they talk with their parents, and visit with their pediatrician about how to approach the problem. Close to 50% of all teens feel that they are addicted to their phones. What the Experts Say: The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that pediatricians take a media history at every well-child visit; asking, “How much recreational screen time does your child teenager consume daily?” and “Is there an internet connected device in the child’s bedroom?” (“Children, Adolescents, and the Media.” Table of Contents. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 June 2016.)

Opposing Viewpoints While there is much for educators to be concerned about, there are positive aspects of teens being socially connected to technology, especially at school. The current generation of teenagers, also known as Generation Z, have grown up using technology for learning, entertainment, and as social hubs. They are able to connect with foreign students, send messages across the globe, skype, text, email, share photos, take tests, and apply to college all through a digital world. By engaging in technology, teens can learn social protocols, make new friends, collaborate through shared gaming experiences, and learn just how science and innovation can bring about beneficial solutions to modern day problems. Technology will always have a place in the modern world. While there is growing con-

cern over how to use it responsibly, we should also realize the role that todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s teens have in the evolution of technological advances. Technology is their world, and their future. It is how they learn, it is how they exchange ideas, it is how they engage with the world. They will have careers working with technology that currently doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist. It would be a disservice to their generation by not allowing them to learn and interact with technology, especially in an educative environment. Educators have a responsibility to teach them how to use it to make the world a better, safer and smarter place in which the human race can thrive.

in the world solution 3

Why should conselors be concerned? Psychologists today are seeing more and more Internet addictions and yet “the lack of recognition of the condition in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM-V, commonly called the “bible” of mental health conditions)” is a real thing. Internet addiction is associated with dopamine in the brain the same way addictions to alcohol or gambling are affected. The problem is that Internet addiction is difficult to diagnose. How can people tell if spending eight hours behind a computer screen is too much? The question we need to answer is: “Is the Internet the subject of the addiction or merely the medium through which the addiction is pursued?” Most Internet addictions have underlying addictions, or unmet needs that are being filled through the Inter-

net. So, the question arises, is the Internet really the addiction, or is there something else that needs attended to first? How much is too much and how do counselors cure someone of abusing something that they need to use every day in their employment or school setting? Behaviors that Psychologists are seeing in Internet addiction: • Sleep deprivation • Mental health problems • Marriages suffering or broken up • Jobs lost • School work forgotten/failing grades • Dismissed from school • Dating relationship going nowhere • Children are ignored

• • • • • •

Memory problems Reduced cognitive and learning skills Eating poorly or not at all Stress Carpel Tunnel Syndrome Negative personality traits such as narcissism • Loss of social life • Anxiety • Guilt

how to combat it. It is a self-help program with homework to change how one feels, acts or behaves. According to cognitivetherapy. com, it “is action-oriented, practical, rational, and helps the patient gain independence and effectiveness in dealing with real-life issues” (American Institute for Cognitive Therapy). In a 2007 study, Kimberly Young, and expert on Internet addiction used CBT to “treat 114 clients suffering from IAD (Internet Addiction Disorder) and found that participants were better able to manage their presenting problems post-treatment, showing improved What can conselors do? motivation to stop abusing the Internet, improved ability to control their computer use, Internet addiction cannot be treated like improved ability to function in offline relationa drug, alcohol or gambling addiction because ships, improved ability to abstain from sexumost every person uses the internet. Because ally explicit online material, improved ability it is thought to be a new addiction, there are a to engage in offline activities, and improved number of different therapies and programs ability to achieve sobriety from problematic being tried. Each patient is different and one applications” (Cash, et al., 2012). may not work for one patient but work perfectly for another. “Overcoming addictions,” Mindfulness according to Judy Steenblik, a family psycholoMindfulnessmuscle.com states that gist, “can take a life-time to get over, along Mindfulness therapy can increase “our brain’s with a lot of diligence and hard work on the plasticity and ability to adapt the way we perpart of the addict.” ceive and react to triggers/cravings in life. . . When there are underlying conditions Through mindfulness meditation, our awaresuch as anxiety, ADD, OCD, depression or ness of body functions rises and causes a stress, those underlying conditions must be physical change in the brain by increasing the treated first or at least while the addiction is connections and thickness in the insular corattended to. A combined cognitive therapy tex. The implication is that through prolonged and mindfulness therapy has been proven as mindfulness practice, our brain is rewiring in a good and slightly better deterrent of addicway that leads to an increased self-awareness tions as anything else. and well-being.” Mindfulness therapy is an understandCognitive Therapy ing of how one feels, what one thinks, what Cognitive therapy is a psychotherapy one is smelling, his or her bodily sensations used short-term to help with depression, and his or her environment, at this place and conflicts, anger, panic, fears and addiction as time. It is paying attention to right now with well as alcohol abuse and personality probour thoughts and our other senses. There lems. It focuses on thinking, communicating is no “right” or “wrong” but a tuning into the and behavior – not past experiences or acpresent moment. When done correctly: tions. Together the therapist and the partici-Research into the minds of those pracpant identify what the specific problem is and ticing Mindfulness has shown that “it increases

density of gray matter in brain regions linked to learning, memory, emotion regulation and empathy.” -People learn how to tune out distractions so that it improves memory and concentration skills. -Mindfulness enhances relationships making partners feel more relaxed and optimistic. -Mindfulness helps reduce stress -Mindfulness helps people have better social skills -Mindfulness reduces anxiety -Mindfulness helps increase recognition and tolerance of negative emotional states. 12-step Program Another solution is the 12-step Addiction Recovery program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is adopted from the Alcoholics Anonymous Program, but is religiously based. It is a one-on-one program for anyone that is interested in a faith-based program, using the Atonement of Christ in their lives. Program participants take responsibility for their own life in this program while being guided by those who have been taught the program and by many who have gone through the program themselves.

Opposing Viewpoints *For those with depression, mindfulness therapy has a remission rate of 44%. As of this time, there are no statistics for remission back to Internet addiction. *Mindfulness therapy can be challenging because people’s attention tends to drift. *If those practicing mindfulness are not trained experts, their patients may “get trapped in unwanted awareness of pain, discomfort, and suffering.” *Cognitive drawbacks include negative cognitions with yourself about “self-evaluation, attributions, expectancies, inferences and recall,” and, “the self-focused cognitive model puts a strong emphasis on examining the association between negative thoughts and mental dysfunction, but it has not answered the question of why individuals choose to focus on their negative attributes when the positive evaluation of the self is more accurate.” *For the LDS Addiction Recovery Program, anyone that is religious can attend, but the program isn’t the best option for those who are not religious.

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Appendix Mandee Grant: Team member bio: Mandee Grant comes from a long line of female entrepreneurs. Learning from their life lessons and legacy (from her great grandmotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books store, to her motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cookie shop), Mandee feels passionate about the contribution and impact of women. Having spent over a decade in the private sector helping Fortune 500 clients find success, she recently returned to her education. She is the owner of Grant Communications, a contributor at Adoption.com, and a senior studying communication and English through BYU-Idaho. Mandee lives in Highland, Utah with her husband and 5 children. Selection of issue: As a team, we discussed different topics relevant to our interests and backgrounds. We settled on technology addiction, specifically how teenagers are affected by this somewhat new, and relatively unknown issue. The current generation of teenagers has grown up knowing and interacting with a constant stream of technology and screen time. While it is still unknown how the current conditions of their environment will affect them in adult years, there is evidence to suggest that the amount of time they spend connected to gadgets, rather than people, is a concern. Our presentation will address the problem, and the solutions provided by the community. Team member tasks: My role was Writer #2, and my responsibility was to research the scope of the problem, as well as research and present a clear solution (educators and their involvement in the issue). I also offered feedback to my team members, and offered to help our editor with additional tasks as needed. Personal reflection: After researching the scope of the issue of teens and technology, I have become more aware and concerned about the addiction to technology that adolescents are experiencing, and the lack of knowledge that parents and educators have about this issue. There is growing evidence to suggest that our teens are at risk of developing a deeply codependent attachment to devices, screen time, and technology, and as innovation continues, so their attachment and interest will follow. It is most concerning to learn that one of the overall and most impactful consequences is the lack of empathy, compassion, and personal relationships that children and teens experience in being so connected to technology. It is also important to note that technology has its place in society, and teens can and do benefit greatly from it. They are able to connect to relatives, friends, and people that they wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to otherwise; offering perspective, education, and access to far-away places and cultures. I also learned that there are positive ways in which engaging in technology can be useful, how-

ever, it is a learned interaction. Most adults are still trying to learn how to engage in technology in healthy, productive ways. As such, it is difficult to teach our children and adolescents how to use technology responsibly. There is a myriad of resources out there that share how parents and children can use technology in productive ways. However, unless parents and teachers are aware that there is a problem, which can be difficult to identify, they won’t be motivated to research solutions and find help. Having researched this issue, I am encouraged to implement guidelines and boundaries in our home regarding technology use and screen time. Knowing how it impacts the brain, relationships, and performance in school, I feel it is my responsibility as a parent to educate my kids about the consequences, and to teach them to be good technology stewards. Melton Jefferson Bio: I am a Senior that will graduate this month with my Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. I also already have my Associates Degree in Criminal Behavior from Ricks College. I am the proud father of 5 that I enjoy along with my wife Marie. My point of this Issue Book is Parents and Teens with an Internet Addiction. The Scope of the Problem We choose this topic because of it being a current Issue among teens today. When you think about how much time teens today don’t socialize even while sitting with family is an issue. There tends to always be some type of mood when ask to put the phone down or get off the computer to spend time with family. I have a home with a couple of teens that all they do is spend time on their devices Task: With this topic we wanted to show that this is an Issue in society where teens would rather be on their phones or computer than talk to a real person. This addiction gives them the chance to push reality aside and they can be someone else. Online addictions will overtake a teen and things that are important are no longer important. There are signs that parents should look for that will allow them to ty to get the teen help before it gets in too deep. There are support groups for parents and families to help the individual overcome. Things that parents or family member are able to do to help: 1. For the web-workers-get a virtual Assistant 2. Set your computer usage boundaries early on 3. Get your family and friends onside 4. Give them the password 5. Modify your routine 6. Don’t us the computer for recreational purpose 7. Track your progress

Strategic Research: Strategic process is to help families over and help teens know that they can receive help. Things that parents can do is start to monitor how much time is spent on the computer of cellphone. It could cause some difficult times but as a parent you can control that. Counselors mention to parents to only allow them to use the internet or computer for a few hours a day. Parents also have to recognize the signs that addicts begin to show as they lose Reflections: This is a hard one because of how this generation communicates with each today. They would rather post something for others to see than have a conversation with a parent or family. We do know that they are dealing with things within themselves. We just need to be able to provide an avenue for our teens to get help and be able to return to a normal life. Julia Smith Bio: My name is Julia Powell Smith and I live in Paradise Valley, AZ. My husband of 40 years and I have six children, all of which are married. They have given us 20 grandchildren and still counting. I was raised in Bountiful, Utah and after we were married we moved to California, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Arizona, Texas and back to Arizona. We love living in Arizona and hope that all of our children and grandchildren feel the same way so we can keep them all close. We love to travel, play with our children and grandchildren, be at the beach, boat, hike and read. Life has been good to us and we feel very blessed. Selection of issue: 1) We started with internet security by Nikki 2) Melton asked about child or teenage security 3) I suggested that Internet security has had a lot of information done already and proposed possible topics we might use such as: *The use of violent video games on our children *Immigration *Water usage *Overcoming addictions 4) Melton liked overcoming addictions 5) Mandee and Nikki were ok with either 6) And Nikki made the final decision to go for Internet addictions 7) I suggested that internet addictions was too narrow and we should think of narrowing it down to Drug addition, technology addiction or pornography addiction? 8) Nikki wanted Internet addiction 9) I questioned if there was enough material on Internet addiction to study and Mandee sent via email a number of different studies showing the scope of the problem in children. 10) Everyone then agreed to do Internet addiction 11) We then did a hangout on air and conference call to clarify that we are doing Internet addic-

tion on adults, not children and verified roles and what we all needed to do. Team member tasks: After deciding on our specific topic, -I put together the Strategic Resource paper listing 13 sources of information. -The history of addiction paper was next, -I put together a solutions paper with three possible solutions, then narrowed it down to one solution. -Then a specifics paper on what causes addictions. What are the underlying unmet conditions and problems of addictions. -The ramifications of addictions was another paper as writer #3. Nikki Siegel Team member bio: Nikki Siegel is a senior at BYU-Idaho studying communication with an emphasis in journalism. She currently works as the assistant editor for the Idaho Falls magazine and has completed various projects for BYU-Idaho and businesses in eastern Idaho. Nikki has been married to her husband, David, for three years, and they recently adopted a yellow lab puppy named Mortimer. [image is attached to this post as well] Selection of issue: While it was quite a back and forth process, our team agreed that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d all be interested in overcoming addiction and something involving technology. With internet and technology addiction on the rise, we decided to learn more about the topic and what could be done for this addiction. With the incredible amount of time kids, teenagers and adults spend on the internet, we knew there had to be some form of addiction there. The focus on teens in particular allows us to find and hopefully implement solutions for those who are such in critical development stage. Our solutions are geared toward what families, educators and counseling programs can do for the internet addiction issue. Team member tasks: I sent a lot of emails â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reminders, schedules, group coordination, feedback, etc. I gave feedback and helped shape pieces to form a cohesive final product. I also rewrote parts of sections to help with uniformity throughout. I put everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s written material together and designed the final book that would hold it.