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13th March 2022
08:00am GMT

Restricting screen time and the use of smartphones are important measures to take, and families should openly discuss technology and how it can affect us in positive and negative ways.
In regards to sexting among teen girls, Saligari stresses the importance of discussing and teach self-respect at home, frequently, something she claims will make these girls less likely to exploit themselves.
“So many of my clients are 13 and 14 year-old-girls who are involved in sexting, and describe sexting as ‘completely normal’,” said Ms Saligari.
“If children are taught self-respect they are less likely to exploit themselves in that way. It’s an issue of self-respect and it’s an issue of identity.”
The warning comes as other experts warn children as young as 13 are being treated for addiction to digital technology while more than four in ten parents of 12-15 year-olds say they find it hard to control their children’s screen time.
A recent survey of 1,500 parents found that, on average, UK children own their first mobile phone by the age of seven, followed by a tablet aged eight and a smartphone aged 10.
However, the therapist does believe that it is possible to help children to strike a better balance between screen time and real-life - no matter what age they are at.
“With sixth formers and teenagers, you’re going to get resistance, because to them it’s like a third hand,” said Ms Saligari, “but I don’t think it’s impossible to intervene. Schools asking pupils to spend some time away from their phones I think is great."
She adds:
“If you catch [addiction] early enough, you can teach children how to self-regulate, so we’re not policing them and telling them exactly what to do. What we’re saying is, here’s the quiet carriage time, here’s the free time – now you must learn to self-regulate. It’s possible to enjoy periods of both.”
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