Electronics and Dysregulation
As a play therapist, something I hear frequently from parents as unhelpful to their child’s behavior is screen time: phones, tablets/ipads, television, and video games. It is important to note that it doesn't matter which platform your child favors- they all affect the brain the same way. They all generate dopamine. Dopamine, simply put, is a neurotransmitter that communicates with the reward center of the brain. When dopamine hits the brain, it tells the body that it feels good, and it should do more of it. This helps explain why many parents report the dawn of WWIII when a child, engrossed with a video game, is interrupted and tasked with doing something different.
While we all need dopamine, too much of anything is rarely a good thing. Studies have shown that the constant flooding of dopamine can lead to hyper arousal. While the constant “like” social media posts can generate excess dopamine, this is especially true of violent or competitive games. The brain processes the events of the game as real time and real events, thus engaging in the flight/flight/freeze response. If your child struggles with anxiety or emotional dysregulation, you might want to evaluate all the forms of electronics your child is engaging in. Don't forget they are often being exposed to electronics at school as well, and yes, that time counts.
Poor impulse control and instant gratification are also areas where the abundance of dopamine makes good choices problematic. In a world where “swiping” is so common toddlers can master the skill, the ability to wait can become harder than ever. Consider television, where in days past a 30 minute show used to be interrupted several times with commercials that one had to sit through, and then endure the agony of waiting until the next episode aired the following week.
Today, we have the benefit of streamed shows, where we pride ourselves on binge watching entire seasons in one weekend. This simple change illustrates just one example of how electronics have reduced the need for delayed gratification and increased behaviors that are highly pleasure seeking ( I mean, really. Who WANTS to sit through commercials?). Either from excess dopamine, or under use of other parts of the brain( including the prefrontal cortex), delayed gratification and impulse control take a back seat.
Many studies exist on the relationship of electronics and dopamine. Social media, technology, and video games are here to stay. Within themselves, they can be an enjoyable part of life. Just like sugar, which needs to be monitored and where an overabundance generates noticeable effects, screen time should also have boundaries. Here are some suggestions that could be helpful in reducing and assessing screen time:
1. At a basic level, limit screen time. The American Psychological Association has the following suggestions: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/cover-kids-screens. There is not one size fits all for every kid, but does serve as a starting point.
2. Allow opportunities for boredom. With appropriate boundaries in place( “no, you are not allowed to climb the roof of the house”), provide time and space for your child to use their imagination. This also can help strengthen problem solving abilities.
3. Prioritize Outside time. Outdoors, and physical activity, can help reduce problematic behaviors.
The use of technology has made it easy for children to be overstimulated, and comfortable with it. Establishing healthy routines with screen time helps develop healthy brains and self regulating skills, which makes life for all more peaceful.
Author: Rachel Nauss, LCSW, RPT is a play therapist located at The Hope Place in Mansfield, Texas.
