Why do teenagers spend so much time on screens and social media? What is driving their seemingly addictive behaviour? And what can parents do to help their children? I discuss the psychological hooks embedded in games and social media that draw teenagers in and keep them playing and engaging online. A teenager’s disconnected brain makes them particularly susceptible to these stealthy psychological techniques and vulnerable to gaming and social media addiction. I finish with digital hygiene tips for parents to help manage their child’s relationship with screens and social media.
