When you think of the word addiction, it is often related to drugs or alcohol, but according to David Gillespie who is an Australian researcher, things such as screen time, shopping and sugar can also be addictions.

A digital device can trigger our internal reward system in our brain, supplying us with addictive dopamine. When we post on social media, the replies we receive from others tap into our reward system and provide dopamine, craving us to want more of that feeling. Younger and younger people are being exposed early to social media, thus flaring the addiction to it. Unfortunately, “anxiety and depression are a direct result of dopamine signaling,” says Gillespie. Try to help your child with their digital device time by having some systems in place. 

- Having a timer on how much digital time they get a day.

- No social media posts after a certain time in the evening.

- No devices in the bedroom.

- Turn off notifications.

-  Have technology-free zones around your home.

- Communicating with each other and having meaningful conversations, it's the best way to build relationships and help your well-being.