Digital Separation Anxiety: When Children Can't Disconnect

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Consumer

Topic

Anxiety and Depression

Wednesday, December 04, 2019 2:03 pm

- 2:03 pm ET

What is the longest length of time you’ve been without a digital device? In our evermore digitized world, being compulsively “connected” 24/7 has become the norm. Unfortunately for the iGeneration, many kids today are compulsively attached to their digital devices and social media, and the thought of disconnecting is unbearable. The digital connection leads to a restriction of real-life activities, as the pixels and “likes” come to replace actual human interactions. All the while, self-esteem and worth are only garnered through external sources of “followers” and “likes” rather than internal means, such as achievements and real-life successes. The result is a vicious cycle of anxiety, narcissism, isolation, depression, and even catastrophic fear at the thought of being separated from the device.

Families often become unwilling participants and enablers by allowing unlimited usage of devices, paying for data usage, and primarily communicating with their children through texting rather than directly face-to-face. Yet, simply taking away devices can leave the child angry, resentful, and even more isolated. This presentation reviews the challenges of disconnecting in today’s digitized world, reviews the consequences of digital addiction, and offers tips and tools to detox digitally in order to minimize the effects of digital separation anxiety.

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Presenter(s) Biography

Jenny Yip, PsyD, ABPP

Jenny Yip, PsyD, ABPP, is a board-certified, licensed psychologist, author, speaker, media contributor, and a nationally recognized OCD, anxiety, and parenting expert. Since childhood, Dr. Yip has fought her own personal battle with OCD. Inspired by her childhood struggles and motivated to help others overcome theirs, she has dedicated her professional career to treating families and individuals with severe OCD, anxiety disorders, and parenting stress for over two decades.

Dr. Yip is on the board of directors of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), where she co-chairs the Diversity Advisory Council and facilitates the Perinatal OCD Task Force. She is a clinical member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), and a Clinical Fellow of the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA). In 2008, Dr. Yip established the Renewed Freedom Center in Los Angeles, followed by the Little Thinkers Center in 2016, dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatments for children, parents, and families. A sought-after speaker on mental health, family dynamics, pediatric development, and maternal wellness, she has delivered impactful presentations at over 100 national and international conferences. Recognized for her unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to the field, Dr. Yip has received several prestigious awards. Additionally, she has authored numerous articles and consistently imparts her expertise through professional training. Renowned as the go-to expert, Dr. Yip is a regular guest on television, print, podcasts, and national radio, drawing on her extensive 20-plus-year experience in evidence-based clinical treatments, teaching, and research. In an effort to raise accurate awareness, eliminate negative mental health stigmas, and provide practical parenting tools, she is tirelessly involved in a range of organizational, educational, and media projects to provide effective strategies for a Stress-Less Life. Her most paramount endeavor lies in nurturing her twin boys to live compassionately empowered by healthy and meaningful boundaries. Yip resides in Los Angeles, CA.

Learn more about Dr. Yip

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