The psychologist from Tenerife, Edgar Chinea, from the non-governmental organization San Miguel Adicciones, has traveled to the island of Lanzarote in recent weeks to work with adolescents from different educational centers in Arrecife on technology addiction.
Chinea explains in a conversation with *La Voz* that the most frequent problems she encounters in therapy are related to minors and their families not knowing how to identify "a correct time limit for technology use," especially concerning mobile phones and social media, to which they dedicate most of their time.
In his case, he has treated minors who can spend up to twelve hours connected to their smartphones. The platforms that absorb most of the minors' time are TikTok and Instagram, in that order.
Regarding how many hours it is recommended to use technologies during leisure time, whether for games or social media, Chinea indicates that it depends on each minor's emotional regulation capacity and their context. "The recommended leisure time would be between two and three hours, but being realistic, at least not exceeding five hours," this psychologist points out
The overuse of technology is causing many adolescents to suffer damage to their cognitive development and affecting minors' reward system. "The child is learning that every time they are bored or sad, they can use a screen as a method of evasion. Self-control will also deteriorate, affecting attention, memory, etc.," he explains.
"There are 17-year-olds who use mobile phones much more than a 13-year-old," adds the psychologist, who notes that older individuals are often more conditioned by their social environment and that social media is frequently part of that socialization.
Fewer Limits and More Example
Actor Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) acknowledged in an interview that he had reduced his mobile phone use after reaching an agreement with his seven-year-old daughter. The actor recounted in an interview that he was replying to an email on his mobile when the minor was asking him something and, seeing that he was not paying attention, she started to play.
The father realized what was happening, apologized, and proposed a pact: to stop using his phone when he was with her. The girl hugged him. "She wrapped her arms around me as if I had won the greatest prize," said the actor, who added that his daughter's reaction broke his heart.
To curb the uncontrolled use of mobile phones, Chinea proposes that parents try to stop imposing limits and start modeling with their example. "You can't tell me something is forbidden when I see you doing it," reflects the addiction expert.
Edgar Chinea invites us to strengthen human connection in order to achieve digital disconnection. "I cannot limit a minor's use of a device if I haven't connected with the emotion that is driving that minor to use it," he adds.
A week ago, Chinea was able to convey to the teaching staff and some parents of the students that they must establish a sincere relationship with the minors. "We are also human, we are also working so that this device does not create dependence in me," continues the healthcare professional, who argues that minors should feel emotionally validated by their parents.
The psychologist specializing in addictions points out that it's not about not setting limits, but rather about ensuring that rules for device use are accompanied by emotional validation. "Hey, it's normal that you feel that need, I feel it sometimes too, but let's set a limit that we'll both stick to," he exemplifies.
Problems of Addiction to Online Pornography
Edgar Chinea explains that among the problems he encounters in therapy due to excessive technology use is pornography addiction. The psychologist indicates that mobile phones offer adolescents the possibility of approaching sex and satisfying their curiosity, but without knowing the risks involved.
The specialist indicates that one must approach the minor with the problem "without generating shame" and trying to explain that pornography is not real sex. "That is why sex education workshops are so important" and delving into emotional education, such as conveying the importance of consent.