Are Your Teens Addicted to the Internet?
It’s not uncommon for parents to notice their teens glued to computer or cell phone screens throughout the day. High school students often use the Internet for homework, watching videos, updating their social networking accounts, and talking with friends. In most households, teens spend more hours at the computer than their parents do. Although daily Internet usage is not an automatic need for concern, some teens could find themselves with an Internet addiction that negatively impacts their lives. Learn how to distinguish when it’s time to intervene.
Social Interaction
If you suspect that your teen might have an Internet addiction, look for drastic changes in his social life. Has a former social butterfly traded in sports games, concerts, and shopping trips with friends for Friday nights and weekends alone with the computer? Have you noticed your teen turning down invitations to events he would normally be thrilled to attend? Although the Internet has made it possible to keep track of friendships through social networks and email, a computer can never replace a healthy dosage of real-life quality time with friends.
School Work
When an Internet addiction takes hold, other areas of your teen’s life might start to suffer. Tracking the quality of work your teen completes at school could show if there is a problem that needs addressing. Missed assignments, ill-preparation for tests, or reports from teachers that your teen was caught using his smart phone during class are all signs that you should start paying attention to the amount of time your teen spends surfing the web.
Time Apart from the Internet
A tell-tale sign of addiction is how your teen reacts when he is separated from Internet access. If you plan a family vacation with limited or no Internet connection, observe the behavior of your teen. Does he exhibit signs of irritability or depression that are unrelated to other reasonable circumstances? If so, he might have developed an unhealthy addiction to the Internet.
Treatment
If you suspect your teen might have an Internet addiction, try talking to him about your concerns and encouraging him to continue the activities he used to enjoy offline. If he becomes defensive, you might have better luck scheduling an appointment with a professional counselor.
If you have any questions about Internet addiction or the health of your teens, the team at Plantation General Hospital can help. Please contact our Consult-A-Nurse® service anytime at 1-888-256-7724. We can also provide a physician referral if needed.
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February 8, 2012 | Posted by Plantation General
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