Services · Families, children and adolescents
Help with problematic screen use in children and adolescents
When phones, social media or video games interfere with sleep, study, relationships or family life, it can help to understand what is happening. At AlfaBeta we offer parent support and psychological care according to the child's or adolescent's needs.
- Via Augusta, 42 · close to Gràcia
- In person, and online when appropriate
- Spanish, Catalan and English depending on the professional
(When to consult)
When screens become a concern
You can contact us if there are persistent difficulties stopping, important activities being dropped, sleep problems or frequent conflicts the family cannot manage.
We look at the whole situation: what is used, for what purpose, how the young person is doing and what consequences it has in their life.
(Being precise)
Screen addiction and problematic use
Many families look for help using the phrase “screen addiction”.
Not all intense use, and not every conflict over limits, is an addiction. Gaming disorder has specific clinical criteria; other difficulties related to social media, phones or online life need their own assessment.
(The process)
How we work
- 01
We listen to the family's concerns and, when appropriate, to the child's or adolescent's perspective.
- 02
We explore habits, sleep, activities, relationships and any emotional or school difficulties.
- 03
We agree specific goals: routines, age-appropriate limits, alternative activities and ways of handling conflict.
- 04
We review progress and consider whether individual support, work with carers or coordination with other services is needed.
(The environment)
Work that involves the people around them
Guidance needs to be workable in daily life and take into account age, needs and how the family is organised.
Limits are part of support; not every rule has to depend on unanimous agreement. If there is violence or a risk to safety, a specific assessment is needed and changing phone rules is not enough.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours mean an addiction?
The number of hours alone does not establish a diagnosis. What matters is control over use, the consequences and the interference with daily life.
Can we as parents start without our child coming?
You can ask for initial guidance. We will consider how to organise the young person's involvement and what kind of help is appropriate.
Is cyberbullying an addiction?
No. It is a form of violence that requires protection and a specific response, including coordination with the school when appropriate.
When is it worth getting help?
If there is ongoing difficulty stopping, important activities are being dropped, sleep is affected or there are frequent conflicts the family cannot manage. We look at the whole situation, not just screen time.
Do social media alone cause all these problems?
Distress should not be put down to a single cause. Studies can show associations that do not allow us to conclude that digital use alone explains a person’s situation.
Should we ban screens?
There is no single rule for every family. We agree concrete goals: routines, age-appropriate limits, alternative activities and ways of handling conflict that fit your everyday life.
Do they have to agree with every rule?
We listen to their point of view, but limits are part of the support and not every rule needs unanimous agreement.
What if they become aggressive when the phone is taken away?
If there is violence or a risk to safety, a specific assessment is needed; changing the phone rules is not enough. If there is immediate danger, call 112.
What does the process involve?
We listen to the family and, where appropriate, the child or teenager; explore habits, sleep, activities and relationships; agree goals; and review progress to decide whether individual support, work with carers or other services are needed.
(Contact)
Ask about difficulties with screens
What to tell us
- The reason for consulting, in a few words
- Your preferred language
- Your availability
You do not need to send reports or clinical details through these channels to ask for an appointment. Before booking, we explain the appointment format, fees and relevant conditions.
- Message us on WhatsApp +34 638 676 824
- Call +34 638 676 824
- Send an email info@alfabetapsicologia.com
- Via Augusta, 42, mezzanine floor, door 3 · 08006 Barcelona · Where we are
AlfaBeta provides outpatient care. If a situation needs more intensive care, we can advise on appropriate services. The practice does not provide an emergency service.