Supernanny warns parents to clamp down on one habit that creates 'entitled' kids

We live in a time where social media is everywhere. Even adults find it hard to put their phones down, spending hours scrolling through videos and posts.

But it's children who are increasingly getting hooked on screens. Studies show 60% of parents believe their kids are addicted to social media, and 77% say it's tough to get their child's attention during family time because of devices.

In response, many parents seek advice from former Channel 4 star Jo Frost, also known as "Supernanny," on how to manage social media use at home. Jo recently shared tips on recognising tech addiction in children – and says failing to do so can make kids turn "entitled".

Her post, which got over 2,000 likes, listed ten activities children struggle to do without relying on their phones or tablets. So see how many impact your own family.

READ MORE: Keir Starmer unrecognisable in clip from 30s as fans gush 'he looks like Christian Bale'

Jo Frost attends afternoon tea hosted by Lifetime and Supernanny's Jo Frost at The Peninsula Beverly Hills on January 15, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California.
Jo Frost has shared a list of 10 signs your child is addicted to their iPad -Credit:Getty Images for Lifetime

She wrote:

  • "Travelling – can't sit in a car, on a plane, experience 'boredom' without needing to be occupied with social media.

  • "Queuing – can't wait their turn, without complaining, entitled behaviour. Needs your cellphone to be pacified?

  • "Life Experiences – missing out because social media becomes the biggest distraction.

  • "Socialising – can't interact face to face with peers, they feel 'awkward'.

  • "Can't just be in the moment – everything they do they think is relevant to billions of others needing to see.

  • "Bystander effect – this urgency to be the 1st to capture. Would rather film it, than go help & assist.

  • "Defined by likes – mood swings behaviour changes, chasing the high numbers all the time.

  • "Child causes drama – pacified when you provide the cellphone or iPad.

  • "Sleeping problems – phone must be with them at all times. A Checking obsession.

  • "Eating – has to have the phone on the table or keep checking when eating."

Jo also encouraged parents to set an example to their little ones, saying, "Maybe you, as the adult, also have addictive behaviours. It's easy to overlook your own habits while enabling your kids. We've all done one thing or many however with more awareness we can reduce the distraction and put in more action to change our behaviour."

Instagram users were left divided in the comments, sharing their own experiences with the so-called "iPad" kids. One user said: "You've just described most adults," while someone else penned: "Thank goodness, my daughter loves outdoor activities over watching TV or using an iPad."

A third wrote: "We know what the problem is, but what's the answer?" A fourth penned: "You should see your child's TikTok accounts, then you will understand why schools want to remove them."