Discovery Ranch's Executive Director Clinton Dorny and Family Service Organizer and Media Supervisor Thomas Holmes discussed the issue of teenage brains in the digital world with Lon Woodbury, who is the host for Parent Choices For Struggling Teens on L.A. Talk Radio. They talked about the blessing and curse of on-line media in shaping teen brains. The vital question was: "It's right here, and it's going to stay - now what shall we do?"
What's Going On With The Teenage Brain in the Digital World?
The discussion started with a significant case study. A young adult who was # 3 worldwide in the World of Warcraft game. and who spent 17 hours before the computer was sent to the Ranch because he was pale, emaciated, and in a rage. During his initial couple of days, he often verbally lashed out at every person around him.
The visitors discussed exactly how Discovery Ranch concentrated on prying adolescents away from technology. Studies revealed that teens invested approximately 81/2 hours using electronic technology, and if you included watching TV, then about 11 hours. In one study in Britain, 1000 university student from 12 different universities were unable to refrain from using a mobile phone or computer system within a 24 hour interval. They experienced feelings of misery, stress, anxiety, irritation and sense of vulnerability.
Much of this obsession with modern technology may very well be its power to help adolescents avoid all their real life issues and sweep their own unsolved psychological concerns under the rug. Discovery ranch discourages teenagers from depending on digital devices by banning the use of all devices and providing activities like taking care of horses as therapy, canoeing, rappelling, and climbing.
When teens first arrive at Discovery Ranch, they are told that they will not have any technology privileges. This news impacts them strongly. They feel flustered and upset, and either act out aggressively or passively.
Extreme media dependency is known as "a process addiction." Withdrawal from electronic tools produces feelings that are similar to withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. Digital addiction lead to reduced communication abilities, particularly in social settings. Equine or horse therapy aids them learn non-verbal body language. They are literal thinkers, very black and white, very linear.
Retraining the digital brain consists of equine therapy. This therapy helps teens develop coping skills, develop self-confidence, and get out of their comfort zones. There are also team building activities to help them learn how to get along with others.
Some things parents can do to limit technology dependence is to have no laptops and no Smartphone's. Computer systems must be password-protected and put in public areas like the living-room.
What's Going On With The Teenage Brain in the Digital World?
The discussion started with a significant case study. A young adult who was # 3 worldwide in the World of Warcraft game. and who spent 17 hours before the computer was sent to the Ranch because he was pale, emaciated, and in a rage. During his initial couple of days, he often verbally lashed out at every person around him.
The visitors discussed exactly how Discovery Ranch concentrated on prying adolescents away from technology. Studies revealed that teens invested approximately 81/2 hours using electronic technology, and if you included watching TV, then about 11 hours. In one study in Britain, 1000 university student from 12 different universities were unable to refrain from using a mobile phone or computer system within a 24 hour interval. They experienced feelings of misery, stress, anxiety, irritation and sense of vulnerability.
Much of this obsession with modern technology may very well be its power to help adolescents avoid all their real life issues and sweep their own unsolved psychological concerns under the rug. Discovery ranch discourages teenagers from depending on digital devices by banning the use of all devices and providing activities like taking care of horses as therapy, canoeing, rappelling, and climbing.
When teens first arrive at Discovery Ranch, they are told that they will not have any technology privileges. This news impacts them strongly. They feel flustered and upset, and either act out aggressively or passively.
Extreme media dependency is known as "a process addiction." Withdrawal from electronic tools produces feelings that are similar to withdrawal from alcohol or drugs. Digital addiction lead to reduced communication abilities, particularly in social settings. Equine or horse therapy aids them learn non-verbal body language. They are literal thinkers, very black and white, very linear.
Retraining the digital brain consists of equine therapy. This therapy helps teens develop coping skills, develop self-confidence, and get out of their comfort zones. There are also team building activities to help them learn how to get along with others.
Some things parents can do to limit technology dependence is to have no laptops and no Smartphone's. Computer systems must be password-protected and put in public areas like the living-room.
About the Author:
Lon Woodbury, the founder of Struggling Teens, has recorded the entire interview on his weekly L.A. Talk Radio show for people to at their convenience.
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