SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Parents aren’t the only ones worried their kids on spending too much time on their smartphones. According to a new poll, their teenagers agree with them.
50% of teens say they feel they are addicted to their mobile devices, according to a poll conducted for Common Sense Media.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit focused on helping children, parents, teachers and policymakers negotiate media and technology. The poll involved 1,240 interviews with parents and their children, ages 12 to 18, according to CNN.
The poll shows that teens check their phone regulary. Nearly 80% of teens check their phones hourly. 72% said they felt the need to immediately respond to texts and messages.
Arguments over devices and time on the Internet is becoming normal for households. 77% of parents feel their children get distracted by their devices and don’t pay attention when they are together at least a few times per week. 36% of parents said they argued with their child daily about device use.
Internet adiA 2011 review of 18 research studies found that Internet addiction might affect between zero and 26% of adolescents and college students in the United States, according to Common Sense Media. And, while Internet addiction is viewed as a public health threat in other parts of the world, it is not yet a recognized disorder in the United States.
Common Sense Media concludes that more study is needed to determine how real digital addiction is, and what the signs and consequences could be.
Kids aren’t the only ones with the problems. Adults admit to feeling addicted themselves. 27% of parents feel they are addicted to their mobile devices, while 28% of teens agree.