Teens Archives - AKAMom Magazine

New Report Finds Teens Feel Addicted to Their Phones, Causing Tension at Home

wmanning — Tue, 03 May 2016 12:42:23 +0000

Common Sense Report Finds Tech Use is Cause of Conflict, Concern, Controversy

San Francisco, Calif. — A new report issued today by Common Sense Media finds that 50 percent of teens “feel addicted” to mobile devices, and 59 percent of their parents agree that their kids are addicted. Additionally, parents and children are concerned about the effects mobile device use has on their daily lives—from driving to the dinner table—with over one-third of the families in the Common Sense poll arguing about it daily.

The Common Sense poll surveyed 1,240 parents and kids from the same households (620 parents, 620 kids) and accompanies a white paper that reviews the latest scientific research about problematic media use, including impacts on youths’ well-being and development. Together they offer a fresh, comprehensive review and perspective on addiction and media-use in the U.S. today. Common Sense initiated the research to better understand mobile technology’s impact on children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development and identify families’ need for support.

“Mobile devices are fundamentally changing how families go about day-to-day life, be it homework, driving or having dinner together,” said James Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense. “What we’ve discovered is that kids and parents feel addicted to their mobile devices, that it is causing daily conflict in homes, and that families are concerned about the consequences. We also know that problematic media use can negatively affect children’s development and that multi-tasking can harm learning and performance. As a society we all have a responsibility to take media use and addiction seriously and make sure parents have the information to help them make smart choices for their families.”

Key Findings from the Survey of Parents and Teens Include:

Addiction: 1 out of every 2 teens feels addicted to their devices and the majority of parents (59%) feel their kids are addicted

Frequency: 72% of teens and 48% of parents feel the need to immediately respond to texts, social networking messages, and other notifications; 69% of parents and 78% of teens check their devices at least hourly

Distraction: 77% of parents feel their child gets distracted by his or her devices and doesn’t pay attention when they are together at least a few times per week

Conflict: One-third of parents and teens (36% and 32% respectively) say they argue with each other on a daily basis about device use

Risky behavior: 56% of parents admit they check their mobile devices while driving; 51% of teens see their parents checking/using their mobile devices when driving

Common Sense’s white paper, a review of existing studies and research on internet use, technology and addiction, concludes that there is cause for concern around problematic media use, which in extreme cases can have very damaging consequences. The paper finds that multitasking, toggling between multiple screens or between screens and people – which is common for kids doing homework or socializing – impairs their ability to lay down memories, to learn, and to work effectively. Additionally, problematic media use can harm face-to-face conversation, and undermine the development of empathy. Parents and teens should avoid multitasking with devices while talking to others and replacing human interactions with technology.

“Parents are right to be concerned about the impact of media on the development of their kids,” said Ellen Wartella, a leading scholar of the role of media in children’s development. “It is a good thing that parents and educators are focused on kids’ social and emotional learning and asking the right questions – many of which we don’t know the answers to yet. From attention disorders and multi-tasking to basic social interaction and interpersonal skills, we need to devote more time and research to understanding the impact of media use on our kids and then adjust our behavior accordingly.”

The Common Sense report stemmed from last November’s landmark Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens that indicated U.S. teens use an average of nine hours of media per day. The technology addiction research was initiated to spark a national discussion on media and technology use by acknowledging a pervasive feeling of addiction by American families and help them identify resources to resolve family conflicts and encourage responsible use of technology.

Resources for families who are concerned about media use are available on the Common Sense website, including “5 Simple Steps for a Healthy Media Diet,” family media agreements and video guides, 20 Q&As that include answers to questions like: Is Internet addiction real? What are the downsides to multitasking? How can I make sure my kid doesn’t become addicted to technology?

A webinar on helping families achieve media balance will be held on May 19^thand will be free to the public at www.commonsense.org. To review the white paper and Executive Summary in their entirety, visit LINK.

Survey Methodology:

The survey is based on a nationally representative survey designed and administered by Lake Research Partners and conducted by telephone using professional interviews from February 16 to March 14, 2016. A total of 1,240 interviews were conducted with parents (n=620) and their children (n=620) residing in the same household.

Respondents were screened to be parents of children between the ages of 12 and 18 living at home with them, with both parent and child using a mobile device. The data for the parent and children sample were weighed slightly by gender, region, age, and race to reflect attributes of the actual population. The margin of error for this sample is +/-4.0%.

About Common Sense:

Common Sense is the nation’s leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a powerful voice for kids and families in the 21st century. Millions of families, educators, and policymakers turn to Common Sense every day to access our independent rating systems, unbiased research, and trusted tools and advice that help them navigate a rapidly changing digital landscape at home and at school. Learn more at commonsense.org

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Keeping Your Teen Away From Drugs & Alcohol

wmanning — Fri, 30 May 2014 14:11:31 +0000

By Jennifer Chung, Kinsights.com

It’s not easy being a parent to a teenager these days. It’s almost impossible to keep track of everything you need to be aware of. Danger seems to be lurking around every corner. One of those dangers continues to be drugs and alcohol. That’s why we’ve put together some ways to help parents raise healthy and drug free kids.

1-Kids who learn about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use than those who do not. Be present and involved in your child’s life, talk and listen to your child regularly and make it clear that you do not want him or her drinking or using drugs. Provide them with solid, fact-based reasons why, how drugs and alcohol could affect their future plans, and express how much you love them and want the best for them.

2-Start the conversation about drugs and alcohol early, well before they hit the teen years. And remember, this is not a one-time conversation. You need to speak to your kids about this over and over. Approach the topic when you have a few minutes on the ride to school or over a family dinner. Make your feelings a mantra so they know how strongly you feel.

3-At some point, most kids will feel peer pressure and need to be prepared for how to handle the situation before it happens. An alarming number of teenagers are intentionally abusing a variety of Rx and OTC medications to get high. Know what kids are faced with today, what drugs are the new ones to be abused and be informed. The more you know, the more your kids will listen. Give them ideas for handling peer pressure and always encourage them to make good choices.

4-Reconsider keeping a stocked, easily accessible liquor cabinet or regular beer in the fridge and always secure prescription drugs. Make drugs and alcohol less accessible for your kids and their friends. It doesn’t erase the potential, but makes it more difficult.

5-Encourage your kids to be active and busy. If they are involved in sports or extra-curricular activities they have less free time on their hands and are less prone to trying drugs.

6- Poor self-esteem and low confidence is one of several factors that can lead to substance abuse in teenagers. A teen who has a low opinion of him or herself might turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to boost confidence, fit in with a group of peers and improve social skills. Help your child deal these issues early on and do what you can to promote a healthy self-esteem and belief in self.

7-Be clear with your child about the consequences of using drugs and alcohol, not just consequences you implement (such as grounding, no use of car, etc.), but also sports and school related activities they are involved in. There is the potential of being suspended from school, sitting out games or being kicked off team sports.

Prevention and communication are two of your most effective tools in keeping your teen safe and healthy. Keep talking and while it might appear that your words fall on deaf ears, the reality is that they not only hear you, but may actually listen!

About Jennifer Chung & Kinsights.com

Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more. Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

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E-Cigs: What Parents Need to Know About the Latest Teen Trend

wmanning — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 15:11:28 +0000

By Dana DeMercurio

According to the Center for Disease Control, tobacco kills nearly six million people each year, and more than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use. The game-changer was thought to have come to the aid of tobacco users nearly a decade ago with a product that uses water vapor and limited amounts of nicotine. But public health officials are now warning consumers of possible risks, and legislators are quick to respond.

Since e-cigarettes were introduced to the U.S. market in 2006, there has been a firestorm of controversy swelling among opponents of the tobacco-free device. Several countries have banned the import, sale, and advertising of e-cigs due to known irritants which have the potential to be harmful to the user’s health, including the potentially toxic refillable liquid nicotine capsules.

What’s proving more damning is that with mounting data and research proving the harmful effects of e-cigs, the FDA has yet to regulate the advertising and sale of the device to minors.

In 2012 alone nearly 1.8 million teens used e-cigarettes – double the year before. With youth-centric advertising and packaging, e-cigs have created a subculture of users under the age of 18. What was once touted as a tool to help smokers quit, the e-cig industry has simultaneously watered down the stigma of smoking to the public’s youth with products such as ‘Cookies & Cream Milkshake’ flavored nicotine cartridges.

Because the adolescent brain is more susceptible to nicotine than the adult brain, this rising trend should be taken seriously by adults. Parents should educate their kids about e-cigs and inform them of the cancer-causing elements they contain. Be clear that smoking of any kind will not be permitted in the household, and be on the look-out for known associated side effects, such as dry coughs and throat irritation, as these might be signs your child is using an e-cig device.

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Video Games for Good

wmanning — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:52:40 +0000

According to a Common Sense Media survey of kids aged 0 to 8 years old, children under eight spend an average of 25 minutes per day playing video games. This hyper prevalence of virtual gaming at even the earliest ages gives parents an obvious cause for concern.

Renowned family psychologist, Dr. Frank Gaskill PhD, is a leading pioneer in using online games to connect with kids and teens and is also one of the most active family psychologists on social media in the country. He insists that gaming gets a bad rap! With boundaries, planning, and moderation, you and your kids can use gaming for good.

Here are some tips from Dr. Gaskill

1. Self-discipline and frustration tolerance

Gaming, as with any activity, can be frustrating when you first play or when you play new and difficult games. The trick is to learn to “struggle well.” When the game gets frustrating or problematic, teach kids to step away, seek help, and calm themselves to think better about the game. This is true for all of life’s struggles. Whether in sport, work, or even relationships, learning to step away and breathe can be an awesome skill. Take a breath and re-approach and you are far more likely to succeed.

Action step: Limit gaming to weekends and allow your kid to pick one day during the week. Set semi-flexible gaming time – an hour a day on weekends and a half hour or an hour on a weekday. Feel free to reward with more or restrict if needed.

2. Connection and quality time

Gaming can be a way to connect. Have you ever cooperated with your 6 year old on Lego Star Wars? It’s amazing when a youngster can help you solve problems in the game. It gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride in showing us older folks how to succeed. Plus, you get to spend time with your child and when they are playing, they are more likely to talk to you and tell you’re about their lives. They feel you are invested in them and in their world. Let them direct sometimes and you’ll be surprised what they share. Game and connect!

Action step: Play a game with your child for 30 minutes a week. Make it your play date. Go with them online to research new games and watch trailers about games you played when you were a child. Teach them about Atari!

3. Strategy and problem-solving

Gaming is not always simple or passive in the least. You need to cooperate, think ahead, and plan. Strategy needs to be taught. Cooperative game play such as the Lego series or even team strategy on the Halo series can translate into real life. Older games like the SIMS as well as several iPad games teach kids how to budget their money or points to save up for bigger items.

Action Step: Talk about a child’s goals with them (buying a new toy, saving up for a trip, etc.) and translate this into some of their favorite game conversations. Should they buy that little item in Lego Star Wars? Or, should they wait and buy something bigger later? Challenge them in their games to delay gratification and go for the bigger items sometimes. When they achieve their goals, praise them!

4. Stress Relief and imagination

We all love a good book. Do you know that the most cutting edge story telling is now through the world of video games? Learn about Mario’s trials, the Master Chief’s efforts to save the world, and a never-ending tale of first round drafts through the Madden NFL series. Blow off some steam and enjoy a good story where you are the hero!

Action Steps: Read the books that inspired games. For older kids, have them read about Halo rather than just play it. Before they play the Hobbit video games, have them read the series’ first. Games become even richer.

5. Parenting Tool

Gaming can be fun, informative, and exciting. What other parenting tool gives you all of this?! You can use games to reinforce good choices, as a way of connecting with your kids and also as a way of educating them. Tykoon.com is a tool I use to teach the value of money and how money works with my clients as well as with my own kids. Tykoon.com informs families and kids about how to earn, save, give, and spend. Their chore charts act to manage family workflow and emphasize accountability.

Action Steps: Give Tykoon.com a try, and watch as your kids work for real life and virtual rewards. For good choices and responsibility, feel free to throw in some extra game time. Quality time and connection makes it easier to get that little guy or girl to actually want to help you out at home.

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