Health Expert Says Too Much Digital Time is Like ‘Heroin’ for Kids

A pediatric expert says while digital tools can be useful,  too much time spent on phones, tablets and computers can produce heroin-like additions, especially in children.

According to CBS-Miami TV, Dr. Nicholas Kardaras compares too much screen time to a heroin addiction. He says the excessive exposure to digital technology produces the same kinds of addictions he sees in heroin addicts.

He says in his new book Glow Kids, How Screen Addiction is Hijacking Our Kids and How to Break the Trance, the actual neurological effects of overexposure to digital technology are the same as drug addiction in the human brain.

He says studies show it produces the same physiological reactions, refuting some who claim it's just a theory.

He says it's certainly not potentially fatal, like heroin or other drugs, but is just as addicting. When asked about schools use of technology, Kardaras made some interesting points.

He says retention rates are lower from screens than on paper, and he claims schools without extensive electronic use have higher test scores. He claims what he calls "Ed Tech", or the educational technical industry, is a multi-billion dollar field and thinks there's a financial agenda involved.

He says the best way to prevent this is to incorporate set screen times, put limits on the amount of tablet, cellphone and computer time for children, especially under the age of ten.  He said families who's kids already spend a lot of time there can expect tantrums which he compares to 'drug' withdrawals (due to the psychological aspect) but says if you stick with it, they will fade.

He said the effects of similar TV watching are similar but not nearly as noticeable or addicting.  He still advocates limiting TV time, especially if a child does little else during their free time day or night.

Some experts who agree with Kardaras' theories say that's why adults also seem to be addicted to digital technology, especially social media.