Technology is not just a piece of hardware or software, but rather a link to individuals all over the world. We live in a society driven by social networking and status, with access to applications and other sites right at our finger tips.

Society has reached a point in time where location is insignificant and the only thing that really matters is whether a cell phone/ device has internet connection. While technology is attached to our daily lives in a positive way, it has also changed the dynamic of many social interactions.

Today, teenagers can’t seem to get away from their cell phones. Whether sitting at the dinner table or hanging out with friends, a conversation either, 1. doesn’t take place or 2. is revolved around some type of social networking site.

In an article written by Kelly Wallace, she discussed several ways parents have managed to break their child’s habitual pattern of constantly being on their cell phones.

Examples from parents:

• Melissa ( has a 13 year old daughter) pays an extra $5 a month for a special program that allows her to shut off her daughter’s phone from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• Robinson (has a 17 year old daughter) cut off the Internet on her daughter’s phone once she reached her maximum data allotment.
• Love (has a 13 year old son) created a “Be Present Box.” Three simple directions while at the dinner table: 1. Insert phone  2. Close lid  3. Be present

Other ways to stop the addiction:

• “No Phone” zones. Designate areas in the household that forbid cellphone use.
• Silence during meals. Encourage your teen to silence, turn off, or leave their cell phone in an entirely different room.

• Allot a certain time of day to allow access to social media or text. Create a rule that allows access at specific times.
• Parental Control.  Monitor their activity.

Reference: “How to cut your kids’ cell phone addiction” By Kelly Wallace, CNN

Written by  Joshua Rosenthal, PsyD