Stuck on Your Phone? It Might Be More Than a Habit
Every time you reach for your phone because the screen lights up like a siren, you might think, “I just need a quick check.” Yet, if you’re scrolling so much that even going to work feels like a chore, you’re probably in the grip of a smartphone addiction.
Why Teens Are Turning to the Digital Divide
With mobile tech now part of the menu at every corner, it’s no shock that more teens are seeking help for phone‑addiction and online gaming. At TOUCH Youth Intervention, Senior Counsellor Andrea Chan keeps her fingers on the pulse by actually playing the games kids love and testing the hottest apps.
How to Break the Cycle (According to a Real‑World Therapist)
- Get Involved. If your child can’t get away from a game, try learning the level floor yourself. Showing understanding of their pastime turns you from a passive parent to a “game buddy.”
- Set Time Limits. The key is consistency. Establish clear boundaries—no screens during dinner, limited after‑school time—but do so with love, not punishment.
- Offer Fresh Alternatives. Dive into non‑digital hobbies like sports, art or cooking. Whenever a phone lures them, have a ready‑made, engaging substitution.
- Talk About Feelings. Teens often escape to screens to hide anxiety or boredom. A calm chat, where emotions are heard, can dissolve the need for virtual escape.
- Lead by Example. Parents who reduce their own screen time create a ripple effect. Kids mimic what they see; set the right tone at home.
Tried a Therapist’s Play Session?
In the latest episode of You Do…What?, host Toh Yan Wei swaps scripts and sits down with Andrea to test the theory: Can a counsellor, who’s usually behind the desk, actually take on the role of a gaming enthusiast?
Think of them bobbing through an endless stream of scrolling, champions, and endless quest lines—only this time, it’s the counsellor who is the NPC. Did Andrea master the next level? Did she succeed in swapping the wisdom of therapy with the adrenaline of a game? Stick around to find out!
About the Series
“You Do…What?” is part of Singapore Press Holdings’ Public Service Broadcast. Host Toh Yan Wei brings a journalist’s curiosity to an array of modern—and often unconventional—jobs. Every fortnight, new episodes—both in Chinese and English subtitles—unfold on zaobao.sg, exploring how technology has reshaped the workplace.
