The Department of Health guidelines recognize social media and digital gaming addiction as emerging concerns in child and adolescent mental health. While not formally classified as medical conditions in diagnostic manuals, these issues require attention from parents and professionals. 

Warning signs of problematic digital use include:

• • Compulsive checking of devices
• • Excessive time spent online at the expense of offline activities
• • Mood changes when unable to access digital media
• • Sleep and eating habit disruptions
• • Social withdrawal from real-life interactions
• • Irritability and anger when digital access is limited 

Underlying these behaviors may be social anxiety, depression, or communication difficulties that should be screened for by healthcare professionals. 

Establish clear boundaries around screen usage with scheduled tech-free times, particularly during meals and before bedtime. Create screen-free zones in bedrooms to promote better sleep hygiene. Model healthy technology habits yourself, as children learn through observation. 

Treatment approaches include evidence-based psychotherapy, behavior activation strategies, and family counseling to establish healthier digital habits and address underlying concerns.