How DBT Groups Help Kids Break Free from Internet Addiction

It’s becoming harder and harder to get kids to step away from their screens, and they are everywhere you look. From the moment your child wakes up, they’re reaching for their phone or tablet, scrolling non-stop through videos, games, or social media.

This is something many younger people now call doomscrolling. In a lot of homes, even mealtimes have turned into moments of silence with everyone focused on their screens. Bedtime gets pushed back too because kids stay up scrolling late into the night.

It’s natural to worry about the effects all this screen time is having on them. As a parent, maybe you’ve tried setting rules, but it just leads to arguments. Perhaps you’ve suggested other activities, but they don’t seem interested. It’s frustrating, and you just want your child to be happy and engaged with the world around them.

That’s where DBT groups can help. These groups give kids tips they need to build better habits and help them break free from the scrolling cycle that eventually leads to internet addiction. For parents, such groups are a place where you can find hope and a way to help your child find a better balance in the digital world.

Why Is It Called Doomscrolling?

Doomscrolling isn’t just being online; this name comes from how a person gets caught up in the endless scroll, consuming content that’s often negative or anxiety-provoking. Whether they’re reading updates, watching TikTok videos, or jumping between apps, this kind of screen behavior can easily and quickly become an unhealthy habit. Kids struggle to put their devices down, even when they know it’s time to stop.

It may seem harmless, but excessive screen time can seriously impact kids. Their brains are still developing, and they’re especially vulnerable to the addictive nature of apps and online content.

In many ways, they become doomed to the inevitable fate of becoming an internet addict.

But it’s not always obvious how addicted a child is to the internet from the number of hours they spend online. Sometimes, you can look for it in how they behave.

The Many Ways Endless Scrolling Affects Kids

• It harms them physically: Kids could start having headaches, eye strain, or even wrist pain from long hours spent in front of a screen. These physical issues are not always easy to catch but are worth paying attention to.
• It affects their diet: Some kids begin to skip meals, crave more junk food or eat while glued to their screens, leading to irregular eating patterns.
• It makes them behave more secretively: If your child becomes defensive or secretive about their online activities, it could indicate they’re developing an unhealthy attachment to the internet.
• They lose track of time: Kids stop being aware of time entirely, spending hours online without realizing it. This makes it hard for them to keep up with other responsibilities.
• They get emotionally attached to the internet: If your child relies on the internet to feel happy or calm, they will then get upset when they can’t access their devices.
• They neglect personal hygiene: In extreme cases, kids might prioritize screen time over basic self-care like bathing or brushing their teeth. All these actions show that kids’ devices are becoming a bigger part of their life.

How DBT Groups Help

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups are structured therapy sessions that are a great way to help kids manage their screen time and develop healthier habits. In these groups, kids learn important skills like how to stay focused on the present moment. They also practice regulating their emotions so they don’t have to turn to screens to deal with stress or boredom.

Most importantly, these groups give kids the chance to meet others with similar struggles. As parents, you’ll start to notice your child spending more time with family, trying new hobbies, and finding joy in life outside of their screens.

If you’re thinking about DBT groups for your child, it’s important to know how to find the right one to deal with digital habits.

Choosing the Right DBT Group for Your Child

• Look for groups led by registered therapists who specialize in working with kids and digital habits.
• Make sure the group focuses on managing screen time and online behaviors.
• Check if the program keeps parents involved and provides updates on progress.
• Consider the practical details like group size, session times, and whether you prefer in-person or online options.

If you’re worried about your child’s internet habits and screen time, help is available. Many counselors in our directory can guide you and your child into DBT therapy and help you find a group that fits your needs. Contact our office today to learn more.