New England Psychologist - The Online Newspaper for Regions's Psychologists

John M. Grohol, Psy.D.

John M. Grohol, Psy.D., Newburyport, Mass. (photo by Tom Croke)

By Phyllis Hanlon

In June 2008, the British Broadcasting System (BBC) published a story about two adolescents in Spain undergoing treatment at the Child and Youth Mental Health Centre near Barcelona for dependency on their mobile phones. Studies out of South Korea, China and Australia have also raised questions about potential cell phone addiction. While concerns around the globe about compulsive emailing and texting via cell phone are growing, the jury is still out on whether or not this behavior actually constitutes addiction.

To date, no formal studies have been conducted in the United States, but some respected groups have released pertinent data. A recent report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project indicates that one-half of all U.S. teens with cell phones send more than 100 texts each day. Of that number, 87 percent either sleep with or near their phones. The Nielsen Company reported that the average teenager sends more than 2,000 text messages every month. [More]

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Programs seek to assist children with mental
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Military Support Program running out of funds

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Q&A: Theory: Psychological development has two dimensions

Excessive emailing/texting: The newest addiction?

Excessive emailing/texting:
The newest addiction?