A few years back, I had a seventh grader named Billie in my homeroom. Billie was bright, funny, and an amazing artist. However, as the school year went on, I started to notice changes in Billie. They seemed more distracted and moody when away from their Chromebook.
Whenever Billie was on their device, focusing on schoolwork seemed almost impossible. It was like an invisible force was guiding them to switch tabs, look for unrelated topics, play games, and stray off-task.
It’s easy to think that teens are just glued to their screens all the time. Many adults casually say, “Kids today are addicted to their screens,” without really understanding the implications. But most students are just using the tools they have, similar to how people worried in the past that television would negatively influence youth.
While technology addiction is real, it’s crucial for teachers to recognize its signs. So, what should we be looking for? How can we tell the difference between a tech-savvy kid and one who might be addicted? Most importantly, how can we support students like Billie in today’s fast-paced digital world?
### Understanding the Issue
Billie wasn’t the top student, but they were bright and capable. My colleagues and I soon realized that Billie’s use of their device was becoming a problem. While other students focused on their work, Billie played games. Instead of reading, Billie was trying to bypass school rules to watch YouTube videos. Even during times when computers were supposed to be off, Billie would sneakily use theirs under the desk.
Having a good rapport with Billie, I initiated a typical teacher-to-student conversation, but the response surprised me.
“Billie, you really need to focus,” I suggested. “If not, we might have to take away your computer and switch to paper assignments.”
Instead of the usual teenage pushback, Billie broke down in tears and became very upset. They couldn’t understand how they could participate in class without their computer.
Later, when I talked to Billie’s parents, it turned out this behavior was similar at home. A usually sweet and clever kid became angry and distressed when separated from their technology. This wasn’t just a case of a kid preferring games over schoolwork; it was something deeper.
As Billie’s teachers, we noted how technology was affecting their friendships and isolating them. With help from our school counselor and support from their caring parents, Billie started therapy to tackle the root issue: a dependency on technology.
### Reflecting on Our Own Habits
One way adults can help identify tech addiction in students is by examining our own behaviors. I didn’t think I had an addictive personality. Other than a brief phase of smoking, I felt in control.
That changed when my wife pointed out how often I checked my phone during family meals, walks, and playtime. I found myself mindlessly scrolling through videos on silly topics and guessing tunes from quick clips.
Initially, I felt defensive when my wife mentioned this. I just wanted to relax during my own free time. I even took it a step further by isolating myself. I started eating meals alone, avoiding family interaction just to scroll online.
Eventually, I realized I was addicted to technology, too. I was consuming vast amounts of news and commentary that became increasingly negative. This affected my mental well-being and damaged my relationships with my family. I’ve since tried to manage my usage with alarms, designated phone-free times, and an app that helps monitor my screen time. The first step was admitting there was a problem.
As an adult, I recognized my unhealthy habits, but kids often lack the awareness to see when a hobby has turned into an obsession. Therefore, it’s essential for us adults to stay observant.
### Key Warning Signs
So how can teachers, school leaders, and parents discern if a student is facing an addiction or just navigating the digital world we live in? Some clear warning signs include extreme emotional reactions when technology is removed, withdrawal from friends and family, and lying about technology use.
These signs are similar to those seen in other types of addiction, indicating that technology addiction deserves serious attention and care. Sadly, for some reason, there’s still a stigma around it, similar to that associated with gambling or substance abuse.
As an educator who regularly observes student behavior, I fell into the trap of categorizing Billie as simply “antisocial” or someone who “just liked their computer.” We can and must do better.
While I eventually learned about Billie’s struggles, I still didn’t connect it to my own situation right away. We often assume we know better as adults and think of our students as “just kids,” but we all have to face the reality of navigating a rapidly changing technological landscape.
### Finding Solutions
When we believe a child’s relationship with technology has transformed into an addiction, there are several strategies that can help. Encouraging offline hobbies, promoting tech-free time with friends and family, or setting aside screen-free hours can help break the cycle of dependency.
Most importantly, we need to create a space for open discussions about technology. Addressing addiction head-on—while making sure the person feels loved and supported—is a crucial step. Billie had a hard time with this, just as I did. But we must remind ourselves that help is available when we need it most.
I’m glad to share that by the time Billie entered high school, they were on the path to recovery. They regained their joy for learning, showcased their artistic talents, and were the playful kid they once were. While they still enjoyed video games and aspired to a career in graphic design, therapy, along with support from family and teachers, equipped them with the tools to manage technology responsibly. As for me, I still have my moments, but I now maintain a healthier relationship with my device.
Technology is a permanent part of our lives. It’s our responsibility as educators and parents to prepare students and ourselves with the awareness needed to break free from unhealthy patterns, whether we’re supporting someone like Billie or recognizing those same challenges in ourselves.
