Internet Addiction

Safetyweb.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.safetyweb.com/internet-addiction

            This website is dedicated to Internet safety and geared towards young people.  In the web article, “Teen Internet Addiction”, Internet addiction is defined and Internet addiction statistics are provided.

 

            Internet addiction is not unlike other additions—it is a basic loss of control that can affect one’s life.  Addictions cover other aspects of one’s life like mental illnesses, abuse, and loss.  Addictions are a “mask”.  Statistically young people are more apt to become addicted to the Internet but adults can also suffer from this.  The web article claims that the abuse of the Internet, in terms of addiction, that it adds to issues associated with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorders.  This is according to the American Psychiatric Association.  Although, as the writer of this blog, I cannot agree with APA position because they have an agenda of pushing meds of young people, no matter what the stakes!  I can only quote what the article quoted. 

            What this article also covers is the harmful effects of Internet addiction.  One problems is the amount of time that is spent online.  It is reported that young people can spend up to 80 hours online, gaming, and that some report spending up to 50 hours a week on Facebook or other social media websites.  This is not only dangerous, in the world of victim v. bully, but it is unhealthy.  It can hurt grades, personal relationships, and future social skills.  There are many problems with Internet addition because young people should be engaging in other activities for sports, reading, and hanging out with their friends.    

            The best way to help a child with Internet addiction is step away from the Internet yourself.  Find other activities that the family can do together, maybe outside.  Also, set time limits for the child to be on the Interenet.  Again, as suggested by most sites that I have found--be aware of what your child is doing online and monitor how much time is being spent with social media.  You might be surprised to find out that there is too much time be spent outside the family.

Self-diagnostic test (or you can take on behalf of your child / teen)http://www.warningsigns.info/computer_addiction.htm