Screen Use Problems and disorders
In today’s digital age, screens dominate our lives. From smartphones to laptops, gaming consoles to streaming platforms, both children and adults are spending unprecedented amounts of time engaged with digital devices. While technology offers incredible benefits, problematic screen use has emerged as a significant concern, impacting mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Fortunately, counseling provides powerful tools to address these challenges, offering pathways to healing and a healthier, more balanced life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the effects of problematic screen use in children and adults and highlight how therapy can help unlock healing for those struggling with its consequences. The rise of problematic screen use, often referred to as screen addiction or excessive screen time, is characterized by compulsive or uncontrolled use of digital devices that interferes with daily life. For children this might manifest as hours spent gaming or scrolling through social media, leading to diminished focus on schoolwork, disrupted sleep patterns, explosive outbursts or strained family relationships. Adults, too, face challenges, with excessive screen time contributing to stress, anxiety, and reduced productivity at work or home. Research indicates that excessive screen use is linked to a range of mental health issues. According to a 2023 study published in “Frontiers in Psychiatry”, prolonged screen exposure can increase symptoms of anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties in both children and adults. The constant stimulation from screens, coupled with the dopamine-driven feedback loops of social media and gaming, can create patterns of overuse that are hard to break. For parents, educators, and individuals, recognizing the signs of problematic screen use is the first step toward seeking help through counseling.
Effects on Children
Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of excessive screen time. Their developing brains are more susceptible to overstimulation, which can disrupt cognitive and emotional growth. Some key impacts include:
Impaired Social Skills: Excessive screen use can limit face-to-face interactions, hindering the development of empathy, communication, and conflict-resolution skills. Children may struggle to form meaningful relationships or navigate social situations effectively.
Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted by screens suppresses melatonin production, leading to difficulties falling asleep or maintaining healthy sleep cycles. Poor sleep can exacerbate behavioral issues, mood swings, and academic challenges.
Attention and Academic Struggles: Studies, such as one from the *Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry* (2024), show a correlation between high screen time and reduced attention spans. Children may exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD, such as impulsivity or difficulty focusing on tasks.
Emotional Regulation Issues: Excessive exposure to violent or emotionally charged content, such as in certain video games or social media platforms, can lead to heightened anxiety, aggression, or emotional instability.
For parents, these effects can feel overwhelming. However, therapy offers practical solutions to address these challenges, helping children develop healthier habits and cope with the emotional fallout of problematic screen use.
Effects on Adults
Adults are not immune to the negative consequences of excessive screen time. With remote work, social media, and streaming services becoming integral parts of daily life, many adults find themselves tethered to screens for hours on end. The effects can be profound:
Increased Stress and Anxiety: Constant notifications, work emails, and social media comparisons can create a state of chronic stress. A 2025 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 68% of adults reported feeling overwhelmed by their screen use, contributing to anxiety and burnout.
Strained Relationships: Excessive screen time can reduce quality time spent with partners, friends, or family. For example, “phubbing” (ignoring someone in favor of a phone) has been shown to erode relationship satisfaction.
Reduced Productivity: Multitasking between screens and work tasks often leads to decreased efficiency and focus. Adults may struggle to meet deadlines or feel perpetually behind, adding to feelings of inadequacy or stress.
Physical Health Impacts: Prolonged screen use is associated with physical issues like eye strain, poor posture, and disrupted sleep, all of which can exacerbate mental health challenges. For adults, recognizing problematic screen use can be difficult, especially when screens are tied to work or social obligations.
Counseling provides a structured approach to breaking these patterns and fostering a healthier relationship with technology.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy is a powerful tool for addressing the mental, emotional, and behavioral effects of problematic screen use. Whether through individual counseling, family therapy, or group sessions, trained therapists can help both children and adults develop strategies to regain control and improve their well-being.
Below, we explore some of the key ways therapy can unlock healing for those struggling with excessive screen time.
For Children: Building Healthy Habits
Counseling for children often focuses on behavioral interventions and emotional regulation. Therapists use evidence-based approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help children understand the triggers behind their screen use and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Key benefits include:
-Improved Emotional Regulation: Through therapy, children learn to identify and manage their emotions without turning to screens for distraction or comfort. Techniques like mindfulness and journaling can replace excessive screen time.
-Strengthened Social Skills: Therapists can facilitate role-playing or group activities to help children practice interpersonal skills, rebuilding confidence in face-to-face interactions.
-Parental Guidance: Family counseling is often a critical component, as parents play a key role in setting boundaries around screen use. Therapists work with families to create screen-time schedules, promote alternative activities, and foster open communication.
-Addressing Underlying Issues: Problematic screen use is often a symptom of deeper issues, such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.
Therapy helps uncover these root causes and provides tools to address them directly. For example, a child struggling with social anxiety might turn to gaming as an escape. A therapist can help them build confidence in social settings, reducing their reliance on screens for comfort.
For Adults:
Reclaiming Balance For adults, therapy offers a safe space to explore the emotional and psychological drivers of excessive screen use. Whether it’s stress from work, feelings of isolation, or the pressure to stay “connected,” therapists can help adults regain balance.
Benefits include:
-Stress Management: Counseling equips adults with tools like mindfulness, meditation, or stress-reduction techniques to manage overwhelm without resorting to screens.
-Boundary Setting: Therapists can guide adults in setting healthy boundaries, such as designating screen-free hours or creating tech-free zones at home.
-Improved Relationships: Couples or family therapy can address the relational strain caused by excessive screen use, helping partners reconnect and communicate more effectively.
-Addressing Addiction-Like Behavior: For some adults, screen use can resemble addiction, driven by the need for instant gratification. Therapists trained in addiction counseling can help break these cycles through CBT or motivational interviewing. By working with a therapist, adults can develop a personalized plan to reduce screen time, prioritize self-care, and improve their mental and physical health.
The Role of Christian Pastoral Counseling
For individuals seeking a faith-based approach, Christian pastoral counseling offers unique benefits in addressing problematic screen use. This form of counseling integrates psychological principles with spiritual guidance, providing a holistic approach to healing. By incorporating Christian values, pastoral counselors help clients find meaning and purpose beyond the digital world. For example, they may use scripture or prayer to address feelings of emptiness or anxiety that drive excessive screen use. This approach can be particularly powerful for those who find strength in their faith, as it aligns therapeutic goals with spiritual beliefs, fostering a sense of hope and connection. Christian pastoral counseling can also provide community-based support, encouraging clients to engage in church activities or fellowship as alternatives to screen time, promoting both emotional and spiritual well-being.
Practical Strategies from Therapy
In addition to addressing the emotional and psychological effects of problematic screen use, therapy provides practical strategies for creating lasting change. Some common techniques include:
- Screen-Time Monitoring: Therapists may encourage clients to track their screen use to gain awareness of patterns and triggers. Apps or journals can help with this process.
- Alternative Activities: Counseling sessions often focus on identifying hobbies or activities that can replace screen time, such as sports, reading, or creative pursuits.
- Mindfulness Practices: Techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help both children and adults manage cravings for screen use and stay present in the moment.
- Family Contracts: For families, therapists may facilitate the creation of a “screen-time contract” that outlines rules and expectations for device use, fostering accountability and consistency.
- Digital Detox Plans: Therapists can guide clients through structured digital detoxes, gradually reducing screen time while introducing healthier routines. These strategies, tailored to the individual’s needs, empower clients to take control of their screen use and prioritize their mental health.
The Long-Term Benefits of Therapy
Engaging in therapy to address problematic screen use offers long-term benefits that extend beyond reducing screen time. For children, counseling can improve academic performance, enhance social skills, and build resilience against future challenges. For adults, therapy can lead to better work-life balance, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose. By addressing the root causes of excessive screen use, therapy helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve emotional regulation, and foster a more fulfilling life. Moreover, counseling promotes self-awareness and empowerment. Clients learn to recognize their triggers, set boundaries, and make intentional choices about their technology use. These skills are invaluable in a world where screens are ever-present, ensuring that individuals can navigate the digital landscape without sacrificing their mental or emotional health.
Taking the First Step
If you or your child are struggling with problematic screen use, seeking therapy is a proactive step toward healing. A licensed therapist or counselor can provide personalized support, helping you address the specific challenges you face. Whether through individual counseling, family therapy, or Christian pastoral counseling, the right approach can make all the difference.
Conclusion
Problematic screen use is a growing challenge in our digital world, affecting both children and adults in profound ways. From impaired social skills and sleep disturbances to increased stress and strained relationships, the consequences can be far-reaching. However, therapy offer hope and healing, providing practical tools and emotional support to address these issues. By working with a therapist, individuals can break free from the cycle of excessive screen use, develop healthier habits, and unlock a path to a healthier, more balanced life. Whether through evidence-based techniques like CBT or the spiritual guidance of Christian pastoral counseling, the journey to healing begins with a single step. Take that step today and discover the transformative power of therapy for you and your loved ones.
If you would like to schedule today, please call 253-590-8952 or email josh@nwpastoralcounseling.com.
Hi, I’m Joshua Lennox, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington state who serves the Tacoma, Spanaway, Lakewood, Puyallup and greater Puget Sound area. I work with individuals (13+), couples, and families of all beliefs and backgrounds in the tradition of Christian Pastoral Care. I am a provider with First Choice Health Network, Premera, Regence, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.
Thanks!