Screen addiction can transform a simple screen time transition into a real emotional storm. The scene is familiar to many parents: the screen turns off, and within seconds, it’s a crisis. Anger, screaming, violent gestures… At Clinique de l’Enfant, we regularly meet families overwhelmed by these behaviors. But rest assured: there are concrete solutions to regain a healthier family climate.
Why does screen addiction trigger so many reactions?
Games, videos, or applications are designed to capture attention. When we interrupt them abruptly, it can trigger intense frustration in the child, comparable to withdrawal. Some may even become an aggressive child, screaming, hitting, or insulting. Others enter a spiral of intense emotions, typical of a child in crisis.
Knowing how to spot signs of screen addiction
A child who constantly demands a phone or tablet, who opposes every session end, or who seems obsessed with the screen shows clear signs of screen addiction. When they lose control of their emotions, we can also identify them as a child having tantrums, often amplified by screen time interruption.
How to react to an aggressive child when removing the screen?
It’s essential to remain calm and consistent. Shouting or punishing brutally risks worsening the situation. Here are some key principles:
- Announce screen time end in advance with a timer or visual reminder.
- Offer a smooth transition to another activity.
- Don’t give in even if the child gets angry: maintain a reassuring framework.
It’s often in these moments that typical behaviors of a child in crisis emerge. Knowing how to anticipate them is one of the keys to maintaining control of the situation.
Crises: what does the behavior of your child having tantrums hide?
Behind every anger, there’s an emotion. When a child explodes after screen removal, they may express frustration, a need for control, or even a feeling of injustice. Understanding the origin of this reaction allows adapting the intervention. At Clinique de l’Enfant, we accompany families to identify these triggers and respond with positive strategies.
When to consult?
If crises become regular, if the child becomes an aggressive child at the slightest refusal, or if screen addictionimpacts family and school life, support may be necessary. This type of behavior can also affect relationships between siblings, generate chronic parental stress, and disrupt daily routines. Our training and interventions allow parents to set clear limits while maintaining the bond with their child, promoting a more serene climate at home.
How to prevent screen addiction?
Prevention involves supervision and discussion. Here are some guidelines:
- Define fixed durations for each type of screen.
- Prioritize interactive activities off-screen (physical games, reading, outings).
- Set an example with your own usage.
- Value screen-free moments.
By involving children in reflection, they feel heard and empowered. This reduces the risk of child in crisis behavior at each screen removal.
At Clinique de l’Enfant, solutions for overwhelmed parents
Our personalized support helps families break out of the screen addiction cycle. We offer simple strategies, communication tools, and routines to implement. The goal: for your child to regain balance and for you to regain a more peaceful daily life.
Contact us now to learn more about our concrete solutions. Together, let’s reduce crises and accompany your child having tantrums toward more serenity.
