Glow Kids

Books Review

In his book “Glow Kids by Kardaras: How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids – and How to Break the Trance”, Nicholas Kardaras explores the impact of digital technology on the developing brains of children and adolescents. Drawing on both scientific research and his own clinical experience, Kardaras argues that the excessive use of screens is not only leading to addiction but also has serious negative consequences on mental health, social skills, and academic performance.

Introduction

In the introduction, Kardaras explains how he came to write the book after witnessing the increasing number of children and adolescents he treated for addiction to digital technology. He also gives an overview of what the book covers and how it is structured.

The Impact of Screens on Brain Development

The first part of the book delves into the impact of screens on brain development. Kardaras explains how the brains of children and adolescents are still developing and are more vulnerable to the effects of excessive screen use. He discusses how screens can lead to changes in the brain’s reward system, leading to addiction, and how they can also affect executive function and impulse control.

The Negative Consequences of Screen Addiction

In the second part of the book, Kardaras examines the negative consequences of screen addiction on mental health, social skills, and academic performance. He discusses how excessive screen use can lead to anxiety, depression, and even psychosis, as well as how it can impact social skills and relationships. Kardaras also explores how screen use can interfere with sleep and affect academic performance.

The Rise of Tech Addiction

The third part of the book discusses the rise of tech addiction and how it is related to the design of digital technology. Kardaras explores how tech companies use behavioral psychology to design products that are addictive and how they target children and adolescents. He also discusses how social media and video games are designed to keep users engaged and how this can lead to addiction.

How to Break the Trance

The final part of the book provides practical advice on how to break the trance of screen addiction. Kardaras suggests that parents need to set limits on screen time, provide alternative activities, and model healthy tech use themselves. He also explores how therapy and other interventions can help those who are struggling with addiction.

Conclusion

In the conclusion, Kardaras summarizes his argument and urges parents, educators, and policymakers to take action to address the problem of screen addiction. He argues that we need to recognize the seriousness of the issue and work together to create a healthier relationship with technology.

Overall, “Glow Kids” is a well-researched and thought-provoking book that raises important questions about the impact of digital technology on children and adolescents. While some may argue that the book is overly alarmist, Kardaras provides a wealth of scientific evidence and real-life examples that support his argument. The book is also very accessible, written in a clear and engaging style that will appeal to both parents and professionals.