It is generally accepted that the use of new technologies has simplified and diversified our daily lives on multiple levels. However, technology has not only entered the lives of adults but also permeates children’s daily schedules. Mobile phones, computers and the Internet in general have become an integral part of their lives. But apart from all the positive things we experience through the use of new technologies, there are also a number of negative consequences. The most prevalent one in recent years is Internet addiction.
Internet addiction is a relatively new form of addiction which, as international research
indicates, mainly affects adolescents, a social group which is presented in the field as a high risk group.
Addiction refers to those cases where the internet takes priority in the child’s life over
his/her family, school, friends and interests. It dominates his or her life so strongly that he or she cannot give it up.
Symptoms:
● Excessive Internet use which leads to fatigue, lack of concentration, irritation, sleep
inversion (sleeping during the day and using the Internet exclusively at night).
● Social withdrawal (isolation, stops relating to peers), indifference to obligations,
procrastination, apathy.
● Idealization. The child considers the Internet to be the most important part of his/her daily life and expresses himself/herself strongly (agitation, anger, violence) when he/she does not have access to it or when restrictions and prohibitions are placed on his/her use of it.
Children with internet addiction issues usually experience difficulties in their family
environment, mainly in terms of relationships between members. Thus, the child resorts to the Internet where he or she can create his or her own ‘ideal self’ free from criticism, restrictions and consequences.
Tackling Internet addiction:
It is important for parents to reach out and seek help from a qualified professional.
Treatment planning is always done on a case-by-case basis according to the needs and difficulties of each child. The aims of intervention should be to raise awareness of the difficulties, to regain control, to switch to alternative activities and to understand the underlying causes of addiction.
The role of parents is important and they should be given special attention to prevention. They should be able to control their children’s use of the Internet, seek to be familiar with the medium themselves and constantly encourage children to engage in realistic social relationships.
For any further information or clarification, you may reach the European Child Helpline
116111 to discuss with a psychologist all the issues of concern to you in relation to your
child.
References:
Young, KS. (1996).Internet addiction: The Emergence of a New Clinical Disorder.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, Paper presented at the 104th
annual meeiting of the American Psychological Association, August 11, 1996.
Toronto, Canada.
Young, Kimberly S. (2001). Caught in the Net: How to Recognize the Signs of Internet
Addiction and a Winning Strategy for recovery.
Siomos K., Floros G.,”Research, Prevention, Response to risks in Internet use”.
Hellenic Society for the Study of Internet Addiction Disorder.