Photo credit: flickr user – Lea Latumahin, Technology addiction in teens
Technology addiction in teens is not uncommon within today’s society. Teens have constant access to cellphones, computers, and social media. With the increased need to constantly be accessing social media or checking messages, texting and driving as a teen and adult, is at an all-time high. CNN recently released an article discussing how parents can keep technology addiction in teens and texting and driving reduced.
Technology Addiction in Teens: How to Reduce Texting and Driving
CNN did an interview with a family in New Jersey. Throughout the interview CNN asked the Dunn family about their parenting methods on texting and driving with their 16-year-old son. According to CNN Bard Dunn—the mother—was doing everything right, she was talking with her son repeatedly about the dangers of technology addiction in teens and texting and driving. When her son was asked about technology addiction in teens and texting and driving, he replied that he would most likely text and drive—even after all of the discussions he had with his parents about the dangers.
Even with the Dunn family taking cautious measures with their son on technology addiction in teens and texting and driving, he still claimed he would most likely use his phone while driving. He also stated it would take a significant scare to convince him not to. Technology addiction in teens has become so dominate that teens refuse to see the dangers or texting while driving. It has come down to them needing to experience a traumatic event for them to not use their phone while driving.
Youth & Texting While Driving
Fifty-five percent of young-adult drivers stated that it was easy to text and drive, while 34 percent of teens said they have texted while behind the wheel. Every day in the United States, more than eight people are killed and more than a thousand people are injured in crashes that are reported to involved a distracted driver, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Parents can reduce the risks of technology addiction in teens and texting and driving by being a good role model for their kid. Forty-eight percent of young drivers have stated they had seen their parents drive while talking on a cell phone, 15 percent stated they have seen their parents text while driving. Setting a good example for your kids is an effective way to promote them making good decisions on their own.
If your child is suffering from technology addiction in teens, there are programs that can help.
blueFire Wilderness can help
blueFire is a wilderness therapy program for struggling teens, ages 11 to 17. Our students often grapple with anxiety, depression, and other emotional or behavioral problems. At blueFire, we strive to help each client succeed.
For more information about blueFire Wilderness, please call 1 (844) 413-1999 today!