Substance use and addictions
Alcohol, drugs, doping agents, medications and nicotine products can all lead to serious problems and addiction. The good news is that you can reduce or completely stop using these substances.Digital gaming, social media and internet addiction
If you or your loved ones feel that the virtual world is taking up too much time from your daily life, relationships, sleep, nutrition and physical activity, consider reducing your screen time and making healthier lifestyle choices. Frequent comments from loved ones about your screen time could be a sign to pause and think.Digital games, social media and the internet are designed to be addictive. It is possible to develop a functional addiction to them, as it is to many other things. Behavioural addictions cause psychological, physical and social harm to you and your loved ones.
It is artificial to separate internet addiction, social media addiction and digital gaming addiction from one another, as the mechanisms behind these addictions are largely similar. More research on the harmful effects is constantly emerging. For now, these issues are mostly treated in the same way as other behavioural addictions.
Screen time in families with children
If you need more information and support regarding screen time and smart device use in families with children, watch the video below about responsible screen time in family life. Smartphones are not recommended as a first phone for small children and children in primary school — a basic phone is enough and helps protect them from digital risks.
Children and Youth – Masters or Servants of Smart Devices?(external link)(in Finnish)