Therapy for addiction to social media

Addiction to social media – how to help a child?

In an age of ubiquitous technology, many parents notice that their children spend more and more time using social media. At first, this may seem harmless – a photo from vacation, a quick message to a friend, a video watched during a break between activities.

Gradually you notice that the phone becomes an extension of your child’s hand, and their mood largely depends on what happens in the virtual world.

What worries parents is not only the amount of time spent online, but also a change in the child’s behavior. Withdrawal from family life, lack of concentration, decreased academic performance, and even irritability or depression are symptoms that cannot be ignored. 

Our Mecal Psychological Clinic in Gdańsk specializes in working with children and young people who are struggling with the problem of social media addiction. We want to help not only the children, but also their parents – because together we can find the path to healthy habits and harmony in the family.

Scale of the Problem

Studies commissioned by the Ombudsman for Children in 2021 showed that 13% children and 15% young people in Poland are addicted to social media. One in three teenagers spends several hours a day online, and some even up to 12 hours. Such intensity of use leads to neglecting school obligations, family relationships, and other activities.

Social media addiction – what exactly is it?

Social media addiction is a form of behavioral addiction in which a child or teenager is unable to control their use of apps like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or YouTube. Although these media can be a source of entertainment, inspiration, and connection with the world, their overuse can lead to serious emotional, social, and physical problems.

Children who are particularly vulnerable to this problem are those who:

• They struggle with low self-esteem and need to be validated by likes and comments.
• They are sensitive to peer pressure and want to „stay up to date”.
• They use social media as a way to escape from emotional problems such as stress, loneliness, or tensions in the family.

Symptoms that should concern you

Many parents wonder when using social media stops being the norm and begins to become a problem. Symptoms worth paying attention to include:

1. Social isolation – Your child avoids meeting peers in real life, preferring virtual contact.
2. Failure to fulfill obligations – there is a lack of interest in learning, a renunciation of hobbies, and free time is entirely devoted to the screen.
3. Changeability of moods – the child becomes irritable if they do not have access to a phone or the internet.
4. Health problems – headaches, fatigue, problems with sleep, as well as impaired vision.
5. Running away from reality – social media become a tool that allows us to avoid difficult emotions and challenges of everyday life.

Risk factors

Factors that favor addiction include:

• Emotional problemsStress, anxiety, depression.
• Low self-esteem: the search for acceptance and recognition in the virtual world.
• Peer pressureIt is necessary to keep up to date with trends and events on the internet.
• Lack of family support: insufficient control and interest on the part of parents.

How does a child who is addicted to social media feel?

It is worth looking at the problem through the eyes of a child. The virtual world becomes a place where they can be someone they want to be – the ideal version of themselves. Every like, every positive comment provides a temporary relief, confirming their worth. However, this feeling quickly disappears, and the child begins to feel the pressure to do more, better, and more spectacularly. As a result, they may feel exhausted, lonely, and… even more dependent.

Often, children are ashamed of their problems. They may feel that they have let their parents down or that their emotional needs are being ignored. In our clinic, we strive to create a space where the child feels understood and accepted.

How can we help? Social media therapy 

At the Mecal Psychological Clinic in Gdańsk, we combine theoretical knowledge with the practical experience gained through daily work with young people. We adopt an individual approach to each patient, taking into account their needs, personality, and family situation.

Treatment for social media addiction requires understanding the underlying causes of the problem. Each patient defines their relationship with social media differently, which is why therapy focuses on individual needs and challenges.

Individual therapy

Our experience shows that children and young people need, first and foremost, a space where they can talk about their emotions and experiences safely. During therapy sessions, we help them understand why social media has become such an important part of their lives, and we work together to find healthier ways to cope with emotions.

During therapeutic sessions, the patient learns to:

• Recognize your emotions and needs.
• Develop healthy strategies for dealing with difficulties.
• Reestablishing the balance between online and offline time.
• Discover alternative sources of satisfaction, such as hobbies, sports, or interpersonal relationships.

Family therapy

Child addiction always affects the entire family. That is why at Mecal Gdańsk we offer family sessions that help rebuild communication and mutual understanding. Together we establish the rules for using technology at home and support parents in developing effective parenting strategies.

Parents are learning:

• How to communicate with a child in a supportive way, without judgment.
• How to develop realistic rules for using social media (e.g., specific hours without using the phone, spending time together offline).
• How they themselves can set an example of healthy use of technology.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is one of the most effective approaches in treating behavioral addictions. It allows the patient to identify negative thought patterns that drive their use of social media and replace them with healthier beliefs.

For example: an addicted person may think that „if I don’t respond to a message immediately, I’ll lose friends” or „without likes, my life is less valuable”. Therapy helps to challenge these beliefs and build a new perspective on social relationships and one’s own worth.

Workshops for parents

Many parents feel lost and don’t know how to effectively support their child in overcoming addiction. We organize workshops that provide practical tools for talking with the child, setting boundaries, and building a strong bond based on trust.

What are the goals of therapy?

The goal of therapy for social media addiction is not to completely abandon technology, as its use is a natural part of modern life. However, it is crucial to achieve a balance and regain control over the time spent online.

Here is what to expect after therapy:

1. Conscious use of social media – the patient learns how to set boundaries so that social media does not dominate his or her life.
2. Increased sense of self-worth – therapy helps build a positive self-image, regardless of how active you are on social media.
3. Rebuilding relationships – both within the family and among friends, through active participation in the real world.
4. Reduction of stress and improvement of mood – thanks to the discovery of other, healthier ways to deal with difficult emotions.

The Role of Parents

Parents play a crucial role in preventing and treating digital addictions:

• Education – conversations with the child about the dangers associated with excessive use of social media.
• Establishing the rules – the introduction of time limits for using electronic devices.
• Promoting alternatives – encouraging physical activity, hobbies, and social gatherings.
• Monitoring: observing the child's behavior and responding to any disturbing signals.

Why is it worth trusting Mecal Gdańsk?

At the Mecal Gdańsk Psychological Clinic, we believe that addiction is a sign that something in the young person's life requires attention and care.

Every child deserves support, understanding, and the opportunity for healthy emotional development. Our goal is not only to cure the addiction, but also to strengthen the child so that they can better cope with the challenges of the modern world.

If you feel that your child needs help, contact us. Together we can find a solution and help your child regain the joy of life.