digitalwellbeing.orgHow to thrive in our hyper-connected world

Is your child a digital addict? Take this DASC test to find out

Here’s the new Digital Addiction Scale for Children (“DASC”) which has just been published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.

The DASC is a simple test made up of 25 questions based on the emerging clinical criteria used to diagnose addictive behavioural disorders.

The child simply answers by saying how often each statement applies to them (1 = never, 2 = rarely, 3 = sometimes, 4 = often, and 5 = always). Sum the scores, and the higher the score, the more “addicted” your child may be to their digital devices (max score 125).

Digital Addiction Scale for Children (“DASC”)

Answer scale 1-5 (score 1 = never, 2 = rarely, 3 = sometimes, 4 = often, and 5 = always).

  1. When I am not at school, I spend a lot of time using my device 
  2. I feel the need to spend more time using my device
  3. I feel upset when I am not able to use my device
  4. I lie to my parents about the amount of time I spend using my device 
  5. Using my device helps me to forget my problems 
  6. I do not spend time with my family members because I prefer using my device 
  7. I have spent more and more time on my device 
  8. I feel upset when I am asked to stop using my device 
  9. My parents try to stop or limit me using my device, but they fail 
  10. I am sleeping less because I am using my device
  11. When I do not have my device, I think about what I do on it (video games, social media, and texting, etc.) 
  12. I feel frustrated when I cannot use my device
  13. I have problems with my parents about the amount of time I spend using my device
  14. Using my device is the most important thing in my life 
  15. Using my device is more enjoyable than doing other things 
  16. I lie to my parents about what I do on my device 
  17. I am not able to control using my device
  18. I have lost interest in hobbies or other activities because I prefer using my device 
  19. When I stop using my device, it is not long before I start using it again
  20. I check my device when I am doing homework or other important things 
  21. I feel frustrated when I am asked to stop using my device 
  22. I argue with my parents when they ask me to stop using my device 
  23. I spend too much money on things for my device
  24. Using my device makes me feel better when I feel bad 
  25. I continue using my device despite the fact that my grades at school are getting lower and lower 

Sum answer scores for a total score out of 125; the higher the score, the higher the level of addiction as measured by the test.

The new DASC test has been developed and validated by Nazir Hawi and Maya Samaha from Notre Dame University–Louaize in Lebanon and Mark Griffiths from Nottingham Trent Univesity in the UK. The DASC is intended primarily for children aged 9-12 and the authors argue it is important because digital addiction in children has been associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress, anxiety, depression, narcissism, low self-esteem and poor academic performance.

Addicted? Really?

It’s important to emphasise that the idea that digital devices can be “addictive” remains contested.

For example, addictive disorders are almost always considered to be substance-related (e.g. opioids, sedatives, alcohol, tobacco…), at least from a psychiatric perspective. So if you take a look at the latest ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’ (the clinician’s standard reference manual) known as “DSM-5“, you’ll see that the only “Non-Substance-Related Disorder” is “Gambling Disorder”. However there is a list of “Conditions for Further Study” that require more evidence before being included – and “Internet Gaming Disorder” is one such contender.

Similarly, the World Health Organisation (WHO) does not recognize digital device addiction as a condition in its most recent International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). However, it does reference “gaming disorder” as an addictive disorder.

In short, the idea of digital device addiction is new, controversial and more data is probably needed before we can say that digital devices addiction is more than a metaphor.

Nevertheless, the new DASC test is interesting because it uses emerging criteria for diagnosing behavioural addiction.

  • Preoccupation – behaviour becomes the most important activity in a person’s life, dominating thoughts and behaviour (Q1, Q11)
  • Mood modification – mood and subjective feelings change as a result of engaging in the activity (Q5, Q15, Q24)
  • Tolerance – increasing amounts of activity are required to achieve former effects (Q2, Q7)
  • Withdrawal Problems – reduced or discontinued activity is associated with unpleasant feeling and/or physical effects (Q3, Q8, Q12, Q21)
  • Conflict – increased conflicts between the person and those around them (interpersonal conflict) or from within the individual themselves (intrapsychic conflict) related to the activity (Q9, Q22)
  • Relapse – tendency for repeated reversions to earlier patterns of the activity to recur (Q17, Q19)
  • Problems – life necessities that could become uncontrollable due to digital addiction such as sleep, discord with parents, money management, and academic achievement (Q10, Q13, Q23, Q25)
  • Deception – lying to parents (carers) about the amount of time and what they do on their DDs. (Q4, Q16)
  • Displacement – parents (carers) feeling disconnected from their children, which results in the compromising of the family unit (Q6, Q18, Q20)

So whether or not you wish to use the ‘A’ word to describe your child’s relationship with digital devices, these nine DASC criteria may help you understand the relationship beyond the controversial label.

Hawi, N. S., Samaha, M., & Griffiths, M. D. (2019). The digital addiction scale for children: Development and validationCyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking.

Written by
Dr Paul Marsden
Leave a Reply to anna Cancel reply

15 comments
  • Important points in this article that we should be aware for us parents to control our child especially if they’re digital addicted. This DASC test would surely be a huge help. Thanks for sharing this great article.

  • The paradox of business is that in a market economy, a company that is in obviously favorable conditions can manage for quite a long time without additional advertising support. As a rule, this period of time is limited to the moment of falling demand for products, and as a result-a drop in sales and profits. The reasons may be different: from increased competition in a given market or changes in consumer preferences to the impact of the state.

  • Thank you for sharing your experience. In fact, we just don’t even fully understand how important it is that we can help ourselves and be alone with ourselves. Previously, this was all considered selfishness, but in reality it is not. This is called self-love and taking care of your needs. As a rule, we are always in the company of someone, for example, a family, loved ones, colleagues. And therefore we always try for their good, but often we simply forget about ourselves, which cannot pass without a trace. Therefore, it is important for us to learn to love ourselves, so that we have the strength to love other people. This is very interconnected, it seems to me.

  • When a pair died, the husband and the wife were buried separately within the respective clan’s graveyard. In a maternal marriage, a male would turn out to be a son-in-law who lived within the wife’s home. As a polygynous society, the Israelites did not have any laws that imposed marital fidelity on men. However, the prophet Malachi states that none ought to be faithless to the wife of his youth and that God hates divorc

  • Essay help service takes all the responsibility for the assignment while you simply enjoy your free evening. Stop being a spectator at times in your own life. Another essay can be handled for you, but your social life and health can’t.

  • I also think its crucial to learn how to draw that energy into other areas like many others have mentioned. Just think what you can create with that intensity on your root chakra (groin)

  • However, you still believe that we will meet your love. But now you have learned to think rationally so that the choice will be very careful and reasonable. It is important to understand that you are looking for women for marriage who will be your partner for many years. Therefore, a lady should have a pleasant character, be beautiful, and share your interests and life values. European girls for marriage seems to be a great choice. It is good that today there are quality matrimonial services that will help meet your dream.

  • Gamblers will love that 9winz online casino allows all its customers to have flexibility and freedom while gambling. The platform has a brilliant mobile casinos and a great app that will take no time to download. Through this app’s, players can enjoy all the latest games and entertainment that this online establishment offers. Clients will not need to worry about missing out on any fabulous bonus deals as it is all possible through the 9winz app.

  • I am, the professional resume writer that will make sure your resume stands out! With our expert team, you can be sure that your resume will capture the attention of potential employers and make you the top candidate. Let us help you turn your career dreams into reality!

  • In conclusion, the concept of digital gadget addiction is new and contentious, and more research is likely needed before we can claim that it is more than a metaphor.

  • I will also introduce you to the online community in addition to the information that is offered here. This is a pretty excellent list of the games that I’ve played, which includes examples of some of my all-time favorites as well as those that are the most well-known. There is another topic. The many games that I am confident you will enjoy.

digitalwellbeing.org

digitalwellbeing.org

Digital wellbeing covers the latest scientific research on the impact of digital technology on human wellbeing. Curated by psychologist Dr. Paul Marsden (@marsattacks). Sponsored by WPP agency SYZYGY.