Are you worried about how much time your child is spending on their smartphone? You may not know what to do as a parent, but don't worry.  



Dr. Tim Millea joins John Morales to give some helpful guidance. 



Key Points:



Signs of Internet Addiction 📱:



Avoiding eye contact



Jumping at every phone ding



Difficulty handling silence or idleness



Study Insights 🧪:



A new meta-analysis published in the PLOC Mental Health Journal examines how internet addiction affects teen brains.



Functional MRI studies show delayed and distorted brain development, particularly in the prefrontal cortex—the brain's center for decision-making, impulse control, and planning.



Red Flags for Parents 🚩:



Persistent preoccupation with screens.



Withdrawal symptoms like agitation when deprived of devices.



Sacrificing personal relationships for online activities.



Parallels with Substance Addiction:

Internet addiction shows similarities to drug and alcohol addiction, affecting the brain in comparable ways.



Challenges of Modern Parenting:

The inescapable presence of technology in our lives.



The rise of loneliness and social isolation due to excessive screen time.



Positive Role Models 🌟:

Blessed Carlo Acutis, a tech-savvy teen who balanced his online activities and used technology for good, like promoting the Eucharist.



Post-Pandemic Concerns 😷:

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated internet addiction, with more teens spending increased time online due to remote schooling and social distancing.



🛠️ Tips for Parents 🛠️:

Open Communication: Talk openly with your kids about setting limits on screen time.



Healthy Alternatives: Encourage activities that don't involve screens, like sports or hobbies.



Moderation and Temperance: Teach the virtue of temperance to help teens understand the importance of moderation.



Device-Free Zones: Establish areas and times where devices are off-limits, like during meals or in bedrooms.



Use of Filters: Implement internet filters to manage content and usage.



Dr. Millea emphasizes that communication and moderation are key. We must help our kids become the individuals God intended them to be, by guiding them to use technology as a tool, not a toy. 🛠️✨



The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Are you worried about how much time your child is spending on their smartphone? You may not know what to do as a parent, but don't worry.  
 
Dr. Tim Millea joins John Morales to give some helpful guidance. 
 
Key Points:
 
Signs of Internet Addiction 📱:
 
Avoiding eye contact
 
Jumping at every phone ding
 
Difficulty handling silence or idleness
 
Study Insights 🧪:
 
A new meta-analysis published in the PLOC Mental Health Journal examines how internet addiction affects teen brains.
 
Functional MRI studies show delayed and distorted brain development, particularly in the prefrontal cortex—the brain's center for decision-making, impulse control, and planning.
 
Red Flags for Parents 🚩:
 
Persistent preoccupation with screens.
 
Withdrawal symptoms like agitation when deprived of devices.
 
Sacrificing personal relationships for online activities.
 
Parallels with Substance Addiction:
Internet addiction shows similarities to drug and alcohol addiction, affecting the brain in comparable ways.
 
Challenges of Modern Parenting:
The inescapable presence of technology in our lives.
 
The rise of loneliness and social isolation due to excessive screen time.
 
Positive Role Models 🌟:
Blessed Carlo Acutis, a tech-savvy teen who balanced his online activities and used technology for good, like promoting the Eucharist.
 
Post-Pandemic Concerns 😷:
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated internet addiction, with more teens spending increased time online due to remote schooling and social distancing.
 
🛠️ Tips for Parents 🛠️:
Open Communication: Talk openly with your kids about setting limits on screen time.
 
Healthy Alternatives: Encourage activities that don't involve screens, like sports or hobbies.
 
Moderation and Temperance: Teach the virtue of temperance to help teens understand the importance of moderation.
 
Device-Free Zones: Establish areas and times where devices are off-limits, like during meals or in bedrooms.
 
Use of Filters: Implement internet filters to manage content and usage.
 
Dr. Millea emphasizes that communication and moderation are key. We must help our kids become the individuals God intended them to be, by guiding them to use technology as a tool, not a toy. 🛠️✨
 
The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here.</a>

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Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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