Digital technologies have become an inseparable part of the daily lives of children and young people. The internet, smartphones, tablets, and digital games support learning and development when used correctly, while uncontrolled use brings the risk of digital addiction. At this point, raising parents’ awareness plays a critical role in preventing digital addiction. The Digital Addiction and Prevention Parent Training Program aims to guide parents throughout this process.
What Is Digital Addiction?
Digital addiction is a condition in which an individual’s daily functioning is negatively affected as a result of uncontrolled and excessive use of digital devices and online environments. In children and adolescents, digital addiction may lead to;
-
Decline in academic success
-
Weakening of social relationships
-
Attention and concentration problems
-
Disruption in sleep patterns
-
Behavioral and emotional problems
and similar negative consequences.
The Role of Families in Digital Addiction
Families are the most important factor in shaping children’s digital habits. A conscious parental approach ensures;
-
Proper determination of digital boundaries
-
Balancing the child’s screen time
-
Development of healthy digital habits
-
Selection of age-appropriate digital content
Therefore, parent training programs are considered an effective preventive tool in combating digital addiction.
Effective Methods for Preventing Digital Addiction
The main methods families can apply to prevent digital addiction are as follows:
-
Setting daily screen time limits
-
Using digital devices in shared living spaces
-
Encouraging alternative social and physical activities
-
Strengthening family communication
-
Parents acting as role models through their digital behavior
These methods contribute to children developing a healthy relationship with the digital world.
Content of the Parent Training Program
Within the scope of the Digital Addiction and Prevention Parent Training Program;
-
Types and symptoms of digital addiction
-
Digital behaviors in children and adolescents
-
Methods for establishing healthy digital boundaries
-
Family communication and digital balance
-
Preventive guidance and support mechanisms
are addressed in a simple and understandable language.
Purpose of the Training Program
This training program aims to raise parents’ awareness about digital addiction, help them consciously guide their children’s digital use, and establish a healthy digital balance within the family.