Phone Addiction in Children and Teens – When a Smartphone Becomes an “Emotional Tool”

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A smartphone is no longer just a device. For many children, it becomes a way to regulate emotions: to calm down, escape stress, or distract themselves from overwhelming feelings. This is why phone addiction (also called phonoholism) is becoming more common — and it develops quietly.

It’s not laziness or misbehaviour.It’s an emotional coping strategy that gradually turns into dependence.

How does phone addiction develop?

The process usually unfolds in stages:

1️⃣ The phone as a reward or calm-down toolThe child learns very quickly: “Screen = relief.”

2️⃣ Growing emotional dependenceThe phone becomes the first choice in moments of sadness, boredom, anxiety or anger.

3️⃣ Replacing real activitiesHobbies, play, conversations, and rest gradually fade away.

4️⃣ Strong reactions when the phone is unavailableAnger, panic, irritability, crying or emotional breakdowns.

This is the moment when we talk about addiction.

Signs of phone addiction

• irritability or anger when the phone is taken away

• constant checking of notifications

• lying about screen time

• difficulty falling asleep / late-night scrolling

• decreased interest in offline activities

• anxiety or sadness without access to the phone

• neglecting schoolwork, friendships or routines

In younger children:

• hyperactivity,

• trouble focusing without stimulation,

• meltdowns when screens are limited.

Why are smartphones so addictive?

Because they offer:

• instant gratification,

• dopamine spikes,

• easy distraction,

• constant novelty,

• social validation.

A child’s developing brain is especially vulnerable to these quick rewards.

FOMO – Fear of Missing Out

Many children feel pressured to stay online “just in case something happens”.This leads to:

• constant notifications checking,

• difficulty focusing on tasks,

• anxiety when offline,

• compulsive scrolling.

FOMO is one of the strongest drivers of smartphone addiction.

Simple diagnostic questions for parents

Ask yourself:

✔ Does my child get upset when they have to put the phone away?

✔ Do they hide or minimise their screen time?

✔ Does the phone replace emotional regulation?

✔ Are relationships or school responsibilities affected?

✔ Has my child lost interest in offline hobbies?

If the answer is “yes” to two or more, it's worth seeking advice from a mental health professional.

What helps?

• setting predictable screen-time rules,

• establishing device-free evenings,

• creating a family media plan,

• avoiding using the phone as a reward or emotional tool,

• modelling healthy phone habits yourself,

• encouraging real play, movement, time outdoors, and family connection.

Above all: don’t punish — support and understand.Phone addiction is not defiance. It’s a sign that a child needs new, healthier ways to regulate emotions.

Based on:

Institute of Dietetics and Health Promotion / Centre for Continuing Education, Tychy.Module I: Cyber Addiction (training material).

Additional sources:

• Young, K. (2017). Internet Addiction in Children and Adolescents. Springer Publishing.

• Przybylski, A. K., & Weinstein, N. (2017). A Large-Scale Test of the Goldilocks Hypothesis. Psychological Science.

• Kuss, D. J., & Griffiths, M. D. (2017). Social Networking Sites and Addiction: Ten Lessons Learned. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

• Twenge, J. M. (2020). iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Happy… Simon & Schuster.

• Rosińska, R. (2021). The Child in the Digital World. GWP.

• Orgill, M. (2019). FOMO and Social Media Use in Adolescents. Journal of Child & Adolescent Behavior.