Researchers: Smartphones, Tablets Are 'Electronic Cocaine'

<p>Tablets and smartphones are apparently&nbsp;turning children into digital junkies.&nbsp;Researchers say addiction to the devices can be harder to kick than some drugs.</p>

Wednesday, September 21st 2016, 10:18 am

By: News 9


Tablets and smartphones are apparently turning children into digital junkies. Researchers say addiction to the devices can be harder to kick than some drugs.

Ask almost any parent and they'll tell you it's not unusual to see their children glued to their devices.

Those studying digital addiction call smartphone and tablet screens "electronic cocaine." Researchers say the same area of the brain that is impacted by drug addiction is impacted by tech addiction.

Doctors say this digital addiction can affect grades, sports involvement, sleep, and interaction with classmates.

So when is the right time to unplug?

Doctors say the answer is different for each child and often urge parents to decide when it's the right time for children to put down the devices.

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