Children and teens are constantly connected to technology for school and communication with peers and parents. Given the "new normal" of technology use, the question is "how much is too much?" First of all, there isn't a specific number of tech hours per day that all children and teens should be limited to. The issue in determining problematic technology use ("addiction") isn't the number of hours spent on technology but rather the degree to which technology use interferes in leading a healthy and productive "offline" life.
Common signs of problematic technology use:
1) Preoccupation with technology (constantly thinking about being "connected" to cell phones, computers, and/or video game consoles).
2) Increasing demands for "more time" on technology (constant demands and bargaining for increased access to technology).
3) Frustration, agitation, and/or anger whenever a limit is set on technology consumption.
4) Disinterest in "offline life" (offline activities are viewed as meaningless and/or boring).
5) Inversion of sleep-wake cycle ( up late-sleep late).
6) Poor academic performance directly related to prioritizing technology use over education goals and standards.
7) Social isolation from "offline" peers (attachment to and dependence on online social communities/friends).
8) Rejection of all physical activities.
9) Use of technology consumption to change negative feelings/moods (use of technology to escape from depression, anxiety, conflict, etc.).
10) Poor insight despite obvious negative consequences to overuse of technology.