MADISON, Wis. – Taking away a child’s phone or device can result in a negative response.
Mobile phones and technology have become a part of our daily lives, but even more so for young people and children.
“Young people’s identities are often inextricably linked to their cell phones. People don’t understand what it’s like to grow up with a cell phone and have it become a key source of information, entertainment and social connection,” said Jeremy Chapman, a behavioral specialist at SSM Health.
Taking away these devices can have a huge impact on children’s mental health, and Chapman says he’s seen it firsthand.
“As a psychiatrist and child psychiatrist by training, I work in a variety of settings, including acute emergency settings, where some of my patients are suicidal or have attempted suicide. And oftentimes, when I talk to them about what’s going on and what’s causing it, I end up with the phone being taken away,” Chapman says.
Chapman says it’s important to have clear communication between kids and parents about how and when they’ll get their devices back, but most importantly, it’s important for parents to try to build a relationship with their kids when revoking these privileges.
“For any parents watching this, you can relate. Think about how you would feel if you suddenly had a day when your cell phone didn’t work, and multiply that by 1,000. And that’s what your child is feeling when they don’t have a cell phone,” he said.
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