WHEN YOUR CHILD IS ADDICTED TO SCREENS
A PARENT ’ S JOURNEY
By Melanie Hempe , BSN , Founder ScreenStrong
WE were on the road , driving our oldest son home from his freshman year in college , when the moment of clarity hit .
“ Mom , I ’ ve been in bed for the past week ,” Adam said . “ I didn ’ t leave my dorm room . I didn ’ t finish my classes . That video game did something to me .”
I ’ ll never forget the shock I felt . What do you mean , “ That game did something to you ?”
At that moment , six years of conflict suddenly made sense . I finally realized our son was trapped in his virtual world and couldn ’ t get out .
I wish I had picked up on the warning signs back in middle school when Adam started dropping out of his sports and hobbies in favor of video games . He also began choosing his gaming world over spending time outdoors or with us . I reluctantly assumed the role of the Game Cop Mom , setting the kitchen timer and navigating countless conflicts over his screen time .
Was it normal for a teen boy to be happily hunched over a screen in the dark basement for hours on end ? Was it normal for him to forfeit time enjoying school activities and even family vacations ? My peers tried to reassure me , “ Well , at least he ’ s not getting into trouble with drinking or girls — at least you always know where he is .” I felt that was setting a rather low bar , but Adam was my first child , and I was unsure . He insisted computers would be his job one day and that he was learning so much from that screen . At least , that ’ s what he told us .
The rest of Adam ’ s high school years were filled with conflict — the never-ending battle of attempting to navigate life alongside his gaming obsession . We were happy to see him off to college ; we supposed he would outgrow his juvenile habit and begin a new chapter in his life . However , on that drive home at the end of his freshman year , it became clear that we were dealing with something far more profound than a mere bad habit .
“ I wish I had picked up on the warning signs back in middle school . . .”
My background as an RN compelled me to explore brain research concerning screen overuse . I learned that screen addiction includes a well-defined neurochemical component like every other addiction . Much like gambling or substance abuse , the allure of certain screen activities hijacks the brain ’ s dopamine reward pathway . The excessive dopamine release triggers a cascade of neurochemical reactions , fostering an insatiable craving for more screen time . The result was impaired self-control , disruption of daily activities like school and hobbies , and a detachment from family and friends — all fundamental components of addiction . As I reflected back on that moment on the highway , I realized Adam ’ s words were more accurate than we could have imagined : the game had indeed “ done something ” to his brain .
32 THE RENEWANATION REVIEW