Video Games, Social Media and Addiction: Insights from Hazelden Betty Ford

With the wide availability of cell phones and other mobile devices, many children (and adults) have near continuous access to gaming and social media. As a parent, you may wonder if your child's gaming or social media use is becoming more of a problem. Could your child's use of technology be an addiction? What are some things you can do to help prevent gaming and social media addiction?   Dr. Zachary Hansen, assistant professor at the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies, joins Marti and Erin to answer these questions. He highlights the difference between video game addiction and other addictions, outlines treatment options, and discusses factors that contribute to video game addiction. You won’t want to miss this compelling episode.   WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO PREVENT GAMING & SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION? What is one difference between video game addiction and other addictions? What steps will you take to prevent problems with gaming and social media?   WANT TO LEARN MORE? ❉ THE IMPACT OF MEDIA ON CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOR & DEVELOPMENT. Douglas Gentile, psychology professor at Iowa State University and a leading researcher on children and the impact of media, joins Marti & Erin for an information-packed discussion every parent should hear. Take special note of the power of parents to prevent the negative effects of media!   ❉ MONITORING AND MANAGING YOUR CHILD'S USE OF SCREENS. Mom Enough partnered with Comcast to let you know about new resources for monitoring and managing your children’s screen use. Learn more in this video.   ❉ SCREEN TIME IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: CONCERNS, OPPORTUNITIES AND REALISTIC GUIDELINES. What is a good age to introduce screens? How much time is too much? To what extent are very young children learning useful things from screen time? Dr. Megan Gunnar, a world-renown expert from the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development, joins Marti & Erin for an information-packed, thought-provoking discussion of this timely topic. Listen to this episode and learn what you can do to help make sure you and your child take advantage of digital technology, but don’t let it take control of your life!