Technology traps talk on The Morning Show, Channel 7
Online and Electronic Addictions: How is this affecting the physical and psychological wellbeing of our teens?
Yana Belogiannis, together with Channel 7's resident GP Ginni Mansberg, were interviewed by Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies on the Morning Show about online and electronic behaviour in Australian teens.
The actual footage from The Morning Show is below. If you would like to know more about our workshops and seminars, please contact The Kids and Teens Group.
The International Center for Media and the Public Agenda (ICMPA), conducted a study whereby students from the University of Maryland were required to not use their phones, computers, TVs, iPods for 24 hours. Results showed that many students did not cope too well with the ban. Students revealed different feelings as indicated below:
- Isolation and disconnection,
- Hopelessness,
- Frustrated and irritation,
- Physical manifestations of anxiety,
- Boredom
One student even reported taking a sleeping tablet to "put me out of my misery." Whist several others could not withstand the wait and gave up. It is important to note that some participants revealed that such time away from technology was peaceful and were able to focus and learn new material. Nevertheless, for most, it was considered to be "something that (they) will never want do again."
It is important for parents and educators to look out for the following signs as indicators to excessive technological use:
- Reduced face-to-face interactions
- Low self esteem
- Disrupted sleeping & eating routines
- Irritability & distress when prevented from being online
- Neglect of homework & household responsibilities
If you would like to know more about our workshops and seminars, please contact The Kids and Teens Group.