- Definition
Addiction is when someone can't stop using a substance or doing a certain activity, even if it's causing them harm.
When someone can't stop looking at their phone, even when it means they miss out on playing with friends, that can be a sign of a behavioural addiction.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Addiction is a health condition in which a substance or behaviour becomes difficult to control and begins to cause harm.
Ask your child: Who are trusted adults or health professionals a person can talk to if a substance or behaviour is causing problems?
Common mix-up: Liking something a lot is not the same as addiction. Addiction involves loss of control and harmful effects, and people deserve support rather than blame.
Examples
- An adult who feels they must drink alcohol every day, even when it makes them sick or hurts their family.
- Someone who can't stop playing a game for money, even when they lose all their money.
addiction is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
