It’s summer and school’s out. Your routines are more relaxed, and your child’s screen use is definitely increasing—whether that’s a game, a show, or scrolling through endless short videos. Maybe you’ve been wondering:
“are they addicted to screens?”
Summer often brings more screen time, and with it, more guilt, more conflict, and more worry about what’s “too much.”
But here’s the thing:
“Screen addiction” isn’t what you think. And summer screen use doesn’t have to be a crisis.
After getting a panicked message from a mom about her pre-teen’s use of screens this summer, I took a look at what the research ACTUALLY says about screen ‘addiction’ and how we can support the balanced use of devices.
☀️ First, the Facts: “Screen Addiction” Isn’t a Real Diagnosis
The term “screen addiction” gets tossed around a lot, especially in the media. But it’s not actually a recognized clinical diagnosis.
In fact:
- Only Internet Gaming Disorder is under consideration as a diagnosis (and only for teens and adults).
- Studies show that less than 2% of children or teens exhibit behaviors that might resemble true addiction, such as withdrawal or severe life disruption.
While kids may love their screens, that doesn’t mean they’re “addicted” in the clinical sense.
🧠 So Why Are They Glued to Screens?
Especially in the summer, screens provide some missing pieces that school, extra-curriculars and the structure of non-summer life usually address.
- They provide structure when the usual routines fall away.
- They offer connection to friends when school is out and social plans are limited.
- They meet sensory needs (especially for neurodivergent kids) through movement, color, sound, and control.
- They help with emotional regulation—especially for kids who struggle with boredom, transition, or anxiety.
In short: for many kids, screens are a coping strategy—not a sign of addiction.
⚠️ Why the “Addiction” Label Can Backfire
Labeling kids as “addicted” can:
- Increase shame (for kids and parents alike)
- Lead to power struggles or punitive screen bans that don’t address the underlying need
- Distract from questions like: “What is my child getting from this screen time—and what else might they need?”
As we know- behavior is communication—and that applies to screen use, too.
✅ Reframe the Summer Screen Conversation
Instead of:
❌ “They’re addicted to YouTube!”
Try:
✅ “They’re seeking comfort, fun, or connection in a way that’s easy and familiar.”
Instead of:
❌ “We need a screen detox!”
Try:
✅ “We need some balance—and a few more tools in the toolbox.”
This kind of shift helps reduce the shame spiral and opens space for problem-solving with your child, not against them.
📚 What the Research Says About Summer Screen Use
Recent studies (2020–2025) support a function-first approach to screens:
- Tools like the Problematic Media Use Measure (PMUM) focus on impact and context, not screen hours alone.
- Kids are more likely to overuse screens when they lack other sources of stimulation, structure, or regulation.
- Neurodivergent children are especially likely to use screens as self-regulation tools, and restricting them without support can increase distress.
🛠️ What Can You Do This Summer?
Here are some evidence-informed tips to guide screen use without the stress:
1. Focus on Function
What is the screen time doing for your child? Helping them relax? Feel socially included? Escape boredom? Understanding this helps you address the root needs.
2. Build Regulation Alternatives
Think: water play, movement games, nature walks, art, or shared screen time (watching or playing together). These don’t have to be elaborate—just co-regulating.
3. Create Flexible Routines
Summer doesn’t need rigid screen limits, but predictable rhythms help—like screen-free mornings or outdoor time before screens.
4. Use Collaborative Conversations
Instead of enforcing rules unilaterally, invite kids into the planning:
“How do you think we could make screen time feel good and balanced this week?”
🌅 The Bottom Line
Screens are part of summer—and part of childhood. While concerns about overuse are real, calling it “addiction” oversimplifies what’s actually happening. For most kids and teens, summer screen time is about coping, connection, and comfort—especially in the absence of school routines.
So let’s trade shame and fear for curiosity, compassion, and collaboration.
This summer, instead of fighting the screen, try asking what your child really needs—and how you can meet that need together.
Need support with screen use, regulation tools, or summer parenting strategies? I’d love to help. Let’s make this season one of growth—not guilt.
counsellingLCR 
Leave a comment