Parents of teenagers have a lot to worry about. Alcohol and drug abuse, negative peer pressure, sexting, safe driving issues, and personal safety are just a few. But now, the latest news is that many teens might be susceptible to an Internet addiction. What is an Internet addiction, anyway? What are the symptoms of an Internet addiction? Is Internet addiction a real medical condition? And finally, how can Internet addiction in teens be prevented?
What is an Internet addiction?
Health Magazine defines an Internet addiction as, "using the Internet so much for game playing or other purposes that it interferes with everyday life and decision-making ability." [Macmillan, Amanda, "Internet Addiction linked to ADHD, depression in teens". Health Magazine, October 5, 2009.] A report published by the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine indicate that nearly 18% of teenagers could be addicted to the Internet.
Is Internet addiction a real medical condition?
Apparently the Chinese think so. They have been studying this phenomenon for at least two years and have gathered many statistics regarding teens and Internet use. Internet addiction may even become a true diagnosis listed in the almighty Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by the year 2012, according to the Health Magazine report. But as of today, it is not recognized as an official mental disease or addiction.
Symptoms of an Internet addiction
However, there are behaviors symptomatic of a typical addiction that can be found in teenagers who overuse the Internet. They are the following:
- Spending too much time online
- Not being able to easily turn the computer off after a session
- Difficulty cutting down on Internet usage
- Dwindling interest in social life, except for Internet acquaintances
- Falling grades, loss of interest in school or extracurricular activities
- Conversations usually focused on the Internet
- Anxiety about not being able to use the Internet over a long period
- Irritability when not using the Internet
- Boredom when Internet not being used
- Anger and hostility when restrictions are placed in Internet use
How can Internet addiction in teens be prevented?
As with any potential addiction, rules and restrictions need to be in place ahead of time. Children should have time limitations placed on any electronic device usage, including computer time, cell phone conversations, and the amount of time spent playing video games and watching TV.
In a study done in Taiwan, kids with depression or ADHD seem to have a higher risk of developing an Internet addiction. This is actually in step with studies done on this group for other types of addiction such as alcoholism and drug abuse. Parents of teens who have a history of depression should pay even more attention to their Internet usage and perhaps restrict the type of online games and/or social websites that pull kids in easily, and tend to keep them there.
Comments