You can recover from digital addiction

Technology plays a huge role in our lives. It’s hard to imagine a day without using a phone, computer, or tablet.

But excessive screen use can lead to problems.

This is also why an initiative to limit them in schools has been launched.

Digital addiction is recognized by:

• losing track of time,
• being overloaded with online content,
• lacking interest in other activities,
• neglecting school obligations and not respecting screentime agreements,
• changing sleeping pattern,
• getting angry when limiting technology, and
• eating at the computer.

A technology withdrawal program is available for those who are having difficulty.

It is held at the Rakitna Youth Health Resort in collaboration with the organization Logout. Experts talk to the children before the program begins.

It is most often attended by older elementary and high school students, says Barbara Kirič, a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist at the spa.

Some join our program entirely on their own initiative, while others need more encouragement from their parents.

Barbara Kirič

It involves children and adolescents who have started to behave differently due to excessive screen use.

Among them, the largest number are those who are addicted to computer games.

During treatment, we include them in therapeutic and supportive activities, such as occupational therapy, activities with animals, sports, creative workshops. They attend classes. We also encourage socializing and spending time actively without screens.

Barbara Kirič

On weekends, they watch a movie together, which is also the only screen they have access to.

The program also includes parents.

The young people are familiar with when they arrive to Rakitna. Experts help them with any problems they may encounter.

Glossary

Withdrawal is the physical and psychological reaction when something is taken away, ex. when a drug is addictive.

Disengagement is causing someone to no longer do what has become a necessity for them. 

Detox is the process of removing toxins from the body.

Points to Consider

1. How much time do you spend in front of a screen?
2. Do you know of any other non-chemical addictions?
3. Why is every addiction bad?

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The original version of this article was published on March 5^th.