The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

  According to a new report by Common Sense Media,   Teens and Mental Health: How Girls Really Feel About Social Media , nearly half (45%) of girls who use TikTok say they feel “ addicted ” to the platform or use it more than intended at least weekly.   Among girls with moderate to  severe depressive symptoms , roughly seven in 10 who use Instagram (75%) and TikTok (69%) say they come across  problematic suicide-related  content at least monthly on these platforms.   The report surveyed more than 1,300 adolescent girls across the country to better understand how the most popular social media platforms and design features  impact  their lives today.   Among the report’s key findings, adolescent girls spend over two hours daily on TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, and more than 90 minutes on Instagram and messaging apps. When asked about platform design features, the majority of girls believe that features like location sharing, public accoun...

 How will Screen Time Effect Your Teen's Mental Health? Teenagers today could probably be known as the “iPhone generation”. They never knew a world without technology at their fingertips, and they’ve grown up with screens and digital devices at every turn. So, smartphones, tablets, and computer screens are part of everyday life for most teenagers.   But, is that a good thing?   Parents and scientists alike have shown great interest in the effects of screen time on a teenager’s health. Some studies have argued that too much of it can cause physical health issues.  On the other hand, many teens use technology as a way to stay connected. Taking it away could impact their mental health.   So, what’s the answer? As a parent, that’s up to you. But, it’s important to know what screen time can really do to your teen – especially when it comes to their mental health. Common Mental Health Concerns It’s estimated that teenagers spend over seven hours looking at t...

Teen Help for Internet Addiction Cell-phone obsession Hooked-on social media or video games? Is your teen consumed by their digital life? Hooked on gaming? Are they spending too much time alone and isolating themselves? Have their grades started to drop? Becoming withdrawn, and even depressed? According to a survey, even teens are worried they spend too much time on screens and fear they are addicted . When used excessively, technology can affect the emotional and physical wellness of young people of many young people . Symptoms of internet addiction: -An obsession with being online -Frustration, anxiety, and irritability when not able to get online. -Abandoning friends or hobbies in order to stay digitally connected. -Continuing to spend time online even after negative repercussions (such as failing grades, deteriorating relationships, and even health issues). How can we help? Parent Universal Resource Experts has been educating parents...

The world of technology is consuming many of us. Parents and teens alike are rarely without some gadget in their hand or very close to them. When do you know that it's become harmful to your health? Teen Internet Addiction Warning Signs: You suffer from anxiety. You may use the internet to distract yourself from your worries and fears. An anxiety disorder like obsessive-compulsive disorder may also contribute to excessive email checking and compulsive internet use. You are depressed. The Internet can be an escape from feelings of depression, but too much time online can make things worse. Internet addiction further contributes to stress, isolation, and loneliness. You have any other addictions. Many internet addicts suffer from other addictions, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex. You lack social support. Internet addicts often use social networking sites, instant messaging, or online gaming as a safe way of establishing new relationships and more confidently ...

One of the most common concerns from parents of teens, behind drug use , is Internet addiction. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to find a college campus or schools that don’t have Internet. College students and teens use the Internet for research, communication, and other educational activities. Of course, students also use the Internet for social media, news, and even online gambling, activities that can be fun and even enriching, but when overused, become a real problem. Some college students suffer from Internet addiction, unable to step away from the computer or put down mobile devices even for a day. Eighty-four percent of college counselors agree that Internet Addiction Disorder is legitimate, but at the same time, 93% of them have not been fully trained to diagnose Internet addiction, and 94% have insufficient training for Internet addiction treatment. The result? Falling grades, physical problems, and even clinical addiction. Internet addiction is a ...

By Sue Scheff In today's society, the Internet has made its way into almost every American home. It is a well-known fact that the web is a valuable asset for research and learning. Unfortunately, it can also be a very dangerous place for teens. With social networking sites like Myspace and Friendster, chat rooms, instant messaging, and online role-playing video games, our children are at access to almost anyone. Sue Scheff , along with Parent's Universal Resource Experts ™, is tackling the dangers of the web. Keeping tabs on our teens' online habits doesn't just keep them safe from online predators. More and more parents are becoming wary of the excessive hours their teens spend surfing the web, withdrawing from family, friends and activities they used to enjoy. Internet Addiction is a devastating problem facing far too many teens and their families. While medical professionals have done limited research on the topic, more and more are recognizing this destructive behav...

Introduction In today's society, the Internet has made its way into almost every American home. It is a well-known fact that the web is a valuable asset for research and learning. Unfortunately, it can also be a very dangerous place for teens. With social networking sites like Myspace and Friendster, chat rooms, instant messaging, and online role-playing video games, our children are at access to almost anyone. Sue Scheff, along with Parent's Universal Resource Experts™, is tackling the dangers of the web. Keeping tabs on our teens' online habits doesn't just keep them safe from online predators. More and more parents are becoming wary of the excessive hours their teens spend surfing the web, withdrawing from family, friends and activities they used to enjoy. Internet Addiction is a devastating problem facing far too many teens and their families. While medical professionals have done limited research on the topic, more and more are recognizing this destructive behavior...

In today's society, the Internet has made its way into almost every American home. It is a well-known fact that the web is a valuable asset for research and learning. Unfortunately, it can also be a very dangerous place for teens. With social networking sites like Myspace and Friendster, chat rooms, instant messaging, and online role-playing video games, our children are at access to almost anyone. Sue Scheff, along with Parent's Universal Resource Experts™, is tackling the dangers of the web. Keeping tabs on our teens' online habits doesn't just keep them safe from online predators. More and more parents are becoming wary of the excessive hours their teens spend surfing the web, withdrawing from family, friends and activities they used to enjoy. Internet Addiction is a devastating problem facing far too many teens and their families. While medical professionals have done limited research on the topic, more and more are recognizing this destructive behavior and even mor...