Therapy for Teens

“It’s not about blockers. Kids will always find information if they want to. Tech is, and always will be, ubiquitous. Raising healthy kids today is about communication, understanding their world, and appropriate conversations.”

– Michelle Holleman

Is your teen under a lot of stress? Do they not seem as happy as they once did? Are they isolating and disconnected, except online? Have you found things on their devices that concern you, even with blockers?

Teens today feel a greater need to perform well academically and fit into social circles, especially with social media.

Teens have access to pornography as soon as we hand them a tablet or smartphone. Studies show the average age for kids to first view pornography 8-9 years old, and that 12-17 year-olds are its largest consumers. Gaming is a great gateway . . .

It’s not a problem, until it’s a problem

Teens can often face some serious life challenges that impact their mental health and well-being. Today, most teens cope by connecting online. Here are some concerns:

Preferring gaming/being online over spending time with others

Getting around blocker programs, uninstalling and reinstalling apps

Deleting browser histories, encountering computer viruses, deleted texts, emails, social media threads

Conflicts arising when requests to limit or change gaming/online behavior occur

Not returning texts/phone calls, especially if there have been recent discussions or restrictions placed around gaming or online use

Neglecting partners or others to make time for gaming/being online

More time spent gaming or making plans to use tech more often

Denial of problem despite others pointing it out

Attempts to reduce use often failing

Would rather game/be online than participate in other activities

Irritable and angry when restricted

Lies to self and others about use, secret keeping

Use interferes with offline activities

May be depressed, anxious, or avoidant

Uses gaming/spending time online as a way to escape problems

Multiple areas of concern exist (family, academic, employment, health, relationships)

If your teen is struggling right now and you have concerns about their social media, tech, or gaming use, please reach out to us.