Internet Addiction – How Much Is Too Much?

The Dangers of Teen Exposure to Online Misinformation

Teenaged boys have been major video game fans since the days of the original Atari. So, it’s no wonder that the virtual games of today would hook them. Not only are these games innovative and filled with dynamic graphics, users can play with others online. For some, however, this just joins two different potentially addictive entertainment tools. Video game addicts are bad enough. But, internet addiction can actually destroy the life of a teen.

For teens, internet addiction is so much more than a simple desire to surf the Net. Just like compulsive gambling, eating and drug and alcohol addictions, teen internet addiction is a very serious matter. It’s marked by the teen’s progressive inability to regulate, avoid or limit the amount of time spent online.

Internet Addiction: What is Unhealthy Online Use?

The Internet has long been a great source of evolving information and innovative entertainment. Today, surfing by PC has graduated far past the days of the first laptop computer. Teens can now access the Internet via tablets, video game consoles and smartphones. Adolescents can do and participate in so much online these days, such as emailing, social networking, message boards, forums, instant messaging and blogging.

But, how much online use it too much? When does your teen’s internet usage become unhealthy?

Emotional Signs of Internet Addiction

Some teens spend more time online than others. But, the amount of time spent online is a major problem when:

  • Takes up more time than any other activity
  • Causes relationships to become neglected
  • Puts being online above schoolwork
  • Lies about amount of time spent on the Internet
  • Becomes anxious and frustrated when not online
  • Spends more time with cyber friends and family than real people

Physical Signs of Internet Addiction

Physically speaking, these are symptoms of too much time spent online:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Vison problems
  • Dry eyes
  • Headaches
  • Neck and back pain
  • Insomnia

How to Help Your Teen’s Internet Addiction

Cognitive behavioral therapy has been very effective with helping teen boys get control of internet addiction. Therapy helps teens learn healthier methods for coping with depression, anxiety, stress and other uncomfortable emotions. Liahona Academy helps with Internet Addiction.

 

Request Free Admissions Information

Step 1 of 3 - Your Contact Info

Written by Natalie

21 Jan, 2015

Recent Posts

Help Your Teen Develop a Positive Self-Identity in These 8 Ways

Help Your Teen Develop a Positive Self-Identity in These 8 Ways

Part of the struggle of the teenage years is that teens are often looking to determine their sense of identity. Sometimes, this seeking of identity can have hilarious results, from strange fashion trends to particular dance moves. However, some teens may look for...

A Little Encouragement for When You Feel Like Giving Up…

A Little Encouragement for When You Feel Like Giving Up…

Parenting is not an easy job. It demands love and kindness, patience and strength, and making a lot of difficult decisions. When you parent a troubled teen, the job can become overwhelming. Your family life is in chaos, and your teen seems determined to self-destruct....

Helping a Manipulative Teenager Without Reinforcing Behavior

Helping a Manipulative Teenager Without Reinforcing Behavior

The teenage years can often feel like an ongoing struggle between parents and their teens, especially as older adolescents feel a greater need for independence. However, instead of being openly defiant or honest about desires for personal autonomy, some teens decide...

Disarming Emotionally Abusive Teenagers

Disarming Emotionally Abusive Teenagers

Abuse of any kind is incredibly difficult for a person to deal with, especially if it is something as insidious as emotional abuse. Yet, parents of emotionally abusive teenagers are in a particularly tough position. For one thing, many parents feel ashamed to admit...

You May Also Like…

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *