$ONCI Cell phone addiction a trend among students
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https://www.wral.com/cell-phone-addiction-a-t.../17425722/
By Jasmin Adous, 2018 CBC-UNC Diversity Fellow
Wake County, N.C. — Growing cell phone use is an issue plaguing many Americans, and experts say teens are more likely to be addicted to their mobile devices than adults.
According to Common Sense Media, teens are more likely to be addicted to their cell phones than adults, and that addiction may bring health issues.
Students say that cell phones have become a major part of their lives even though it can also turn into a dangerous distraction.
Jeff Hammerstein, assistant chief of the Wake County Emergency Medical Services, said he hopes teens will learn to not use their cell phones when they are preoccupied with other tasks.
“Promise yourself not to engage in cell phone conversations (or be) on the phone while you’re driving,” he said.
It's a common sight on many college campuses for students to be walking with their head down while looking at their mobile devices.
Sabil Wahdan, a student at North Carolina State University, said her phone is her most important accessory.
“Without it, I'd be lost,” she said. “Usually, the first thing I do when I wake up is check my email like hoping class is canceled.”
According to a clinical psychology study this past year published in Sage Publications, around 48 percent of people who spend five or more hours a day on their phone had suicidal thoughts, compared to just 28 percent of those who spent one hour a day.
Dr. Linda Collazo and Dr. Soma Johnkutty, pediatricians at Rex Healthcare, said they often counsel parents about limiting their children’s screen time.
Without setting boundaries, the long-term effects can be unhealthy, Johnkutty said.
“That's been shown to definitely decrease their ability to cope -- and creates rates of depression,” Collazo said.
Johnkutty suggests parents set limits early on in life for their children, and stick to them.
“There should be protected time during the day where there's time for exercise or there's time for family time,” she said.
Experts believe that electronic device dependency can begin early in childhood. But parents should set up free screen times for their children and screen-free zones.