Signs of screen addiction and how to keep safe online

Whilst technology has continued to evolve and make our lives easier in so many ways, it has also created complications for some. There is a growing concern amongst health professionals around the problematic use of technology and video gaming in the community, with research suggesting that autistic individuals are at higher risk of developing problematic internet use compared to non-autistic individuals – although this connection is not well understood.*

The excessive use of technology or online gaming becomes problematic when it starts to impact the person’s ability to function in other areas of their life. This can be a problem for people of all ages from younger children through to adults.

Excessive screen time can have many negative effects for an individual including mental health issues, isolation, sleep difficulties, lack of physical activity and physical problems including neck, back and eye strain. Some people may find themselves in financial trouble due to the amount of money spent on online gaming or in app purchases.** For younger children, too much screen time can also impact on motor and cognitive development as well as social and psychological wellbeing.

There are several warning signs and risk factors that may indicate overuse of technology in autistic individuals. These may include:

• spending a high number of hours on technology;
• an intense focus on the device when in use;
• inability to control the use;
• hiding or lying about internet use; and
• continued online use despite negative consequences.

In younger children you may observe emotional outbursts when access to technology is removed or limited.

The Office of the e-Safety Commissioner recommends a healthy balance of how long we spend online with time spent offline. Many health bodies also have guidelines recommending the length of time we should be spending online depending on our age. The Australian Institute of Family Studies recommends no screen time for children younger than the age of 2, no more than one hour per day for children aged 2-5 years and no more than two hours of recreational screen time for children and young people aged 5-17 years.

To support autistic individuals with problematic technology use, it is important to work with them and their support network to understand the underlying reasons, and only intervene if it is causing harm to the person or individuals supporting them. Video games can be a safe place for autistic individuals to experiment with social interaction and develop relationships, and as such, caregivers should support the use of video games in educational and therapeutic settings.

Some good ways to support positive technology habits can be to:

• Include and keep the person, their preferences, wishes, quality of life and health at the centre of any decision making in relation to screen time.
• Consider if there are any other issues around mental health, physical health and engagement that might need support prior to intervening with problematic technology use.
• Create routines that are clear and visually presented that include a mix of technology-based activities and other activities.
• Use timers and warnings prior to moving on from screen time, with another motivating or enjoyable activity afterwards.

There is help available for those that need support to manage their screen time or online gaming habits. Psychologists, Social Workers and other allied health and mental health professionals will be able to provide supports to help develop a healthier balance between life online and offline.

Aspect Psychologists and Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners are also available to help.

Want to know more? See this article by Kids Helpline.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of cyber bullying or exposed to inappropriate content online, please contact the Office of the eSafety Commissioner or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

Authors:

This article was written by Chris Edwards, Postdoctoral Researcher, Aspect Centre for Research Practice, Rebecca Keane, Regional Manager Aspect Therapy, and Jessica Degrassi, Positive Behaviour Support, Aspect.

References

*A systematic review of problematic internet use in children, adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1-14

** Craig, F., Tenuta, F., De Giacomo, A., Trabacca, A., & Costabile, A. (2021). A systematic review of problematic video-game use in people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 82, 101726