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In playgrounds, malls, and birthday parties, the sight of entitled children pushing boundaries with their parents has become increasingly common.

The prevalence of full-throated public meltdowns, incessant whining, and parental bullying begs the question: how did this behavioral shift occur?

The Role of Technology in Entitlement

Before assigning blame to parents, the profound impact of technology on children's lives must be acknowledged. The pervasive influence of the Internet, social media, video games, and smartphones has significantly altered daily routines. Studies highlight that excessive screen time correlates with heightened anxiety, depression, and social isolation among children, impairing their frustration tolerance, social skills, and emotional intelligence. Concerns have escalated to the point where the US Surgeon General recently advocated for warning labels on social media platforms due to their potential harm to adolescent mental health.

With the advent of smartphones three decades ago, a generation of children has grown up more comfortable interacting with screens than with people. Many of these children, despite having loving and well-intentioned parents, have become ensnared in the addictive qualities of technology, stunting emotional maturity and perpetuating childish behaviors well into adolescence.

Parenting Missteps and Entitlement

Addressing entitlement also necessitates examining parenting styles that inadvertently foster it. According to Psychology Today, parents who overcompensate due to their own childhood traumas, succumb to anxiety-driven overindulgence, or abdicate decision-making responsibilities to their children unwittingly perpetuate entitled behaviors. These dynamics are detailed in "When Kids Call the Shots" authored by psychotherapist Sean Grover, L.C.S.W., highlighting how well-meaning parents can unintentionally cultivate bullying and entitlement among their children.

Consequences of Entitlement

The ramifications of entitlement are far-reaching, manifesting in several troubling behaviors:

• Low frustration tolerance: Entitled children are quick to give up when faced with challenges, lacking the resilience to persevere.
• Weak problem-solving skills: Instead of independently tackling problems, entitled children expect others to solve issues for them.
• Poor work ethic: Accustomed to instant gratification via technology, entitled children struggle with the concept of working diligently towards goals.
• Social difficulties: Preferring attention and validation, entitled children may alienate peers and struggle in team settings.
• Emotional delays: Remaining emotionally immature, entitled children are prone to temper tantrums and emotional outbursts reminiscent of much younger children.

Addressing entitlement among children requires a nuanced understanding of its origins and consequences. By acknowledging the impact of technology and promoting balanced parenting approaches, parents and caregivers can help cultivate resilience, independence, and empathy in the next generation.