Facts about the iGen Generation

I have noticed for several years how teenagers who have grown up with Smartphones have different problems than the past teens I have seen in psychotherapy.

The teens who have always have had Smartphones report feeling more anxious, lonely and depressed. They also are more likely to engage in cutting and other self-mutilating behaviors. Finally, they are more likely to report suicidal feelings. I have noticed they go no where without their phones and can become violent if you take their phones away.

Many parents have noticed the same issues and asked me how they can address these issues. The problem is we don't have an answer to this question. The iGen generation is the first generation to grow up with Smartphones and instant access to almost everything. We do not have the research to tell us how these teens will be impacted.

However, Dr. Jean Twenge did a study and her results are scary. They show 1 out of 5 iGen teens have mental health issues and the suicide rate for this generation has increased by 200%. This is shocking.

I have included a link to a presentation she did so parents can understand this problem better and some options they have to help their teenager. iGen: The Smartphone Generation | Jean Twenge | TEDxLagunaBlancaSchool via @YouTube

Dr. Michael Rubino is a psychotherapist with over 20 years experience treating teenagers. For more information about his work visit his website www.RubinoCounseling.com.