It can be a struggle for people of all ages to step away from screens, and limits on screen time can be a frequent source of conflict between parents and their children. Why is it so hard for us to step away from screens? It boils down to neurotransmitters, especially dopamine. Dopamine is commonly thought of as a reward neurotransmitter.

Teens are experiencing higher levels of anxiety than before the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to what is being referred to as a “mental health crisis.” Many children and teens with anxiety set high expectations for themselves, and this leads to increased anxiety. While many parents do set high expectations for their children, it’s not uncommon for parents to report that their teens are harder on themselves than anyone else.