Relationship between family, school or peer relationships problems and Internet Addiction

By Shadia Sbait- Gordon Academic College of Education

Teens today are spending increasingly more time online, and for many, this creates a potential for problematic internet use or addiction. While internet addiction itself is a complex issue, understanding its connection to family, school, and peer relationship problems can be key to helping young people.

The Role of Relationships

Strong and supportive relationships are vital for a teenager’s well-being. When these relationships are strained or problematic, it can significantly increase the risk of internet addiction. This isn’t a case of one causing the other directly; rather, they often interact in complex ways.

• Family Relationships: Research consistently shows a link between troubled family relationships (conflict, lack of communication, parental absence) and internet addiction in teens. A lack of secure attachment to parents can lead adolescents to seek solace and escape online, where they may find a sense of belonging or validation they lack at home. This can manifest as excessive gaming, social media use, or engagement in online communities.
• School Relationships: Academic stress, poor teacher-student relationships, bullying, or feelings of isolation at school can significantly contribute to a teen’s increased risk of internet addiction. The internet provides an escape from these stressful environments. For some teens, online interactions may feel more supportive or less judgmental than their real-world experiences.
• Peer Relationships: The influence of peers is undeniable in adolescence. For some, struggling with peer relationships (bullying, social exclusion, difficulty forming friendships) can lead teens to seek connection and support online, potentially leading to excessive internet use and potentially addiction.

What Can Parents and Teachers Do?

Recognizing the potential connections between relationship issues and internet addiction is vital for intervention and prevention.

For Parents:

• Foster Open Communication: Create a safe and supportive environment where your teen feels comfortable talking about their challenges and concerns. Actively listen to their struggles without judgment.
• Strengthen Family Bonds: Spend quality time together as a family, engaging in shared activities. Prioritize family meals and conversations.
• Seek Professional Help: If you notice concerning patterns of internet use or suspect a problem with your teen’s relationships, seek professional guidance from a counselor or therapist.

For Teachers:

• Create a Supportive Classroom Environment: Foster a sense of belonging and inclusion in your classroom. Address bullying and conflict effectively.
• Identify Students at Risk: Be aware of warning signs in students’ behavior (withdrawal, isolation, changes in academic performance) that may suggest underlying relationship problems or internet addiction.
• Collaborate with Parents: Communicate concerns about a student’s well-being with their parents, suggesting strategies for support.
• Promote Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Encourage students to engage in healthy activities that promote well-being (physical activity, hobbies, community involvement) to provide healthy alternatives to internet use.

Additional Considerations:

• This is not an exhaustive list; many other factors contribute to internet addiction.
• Early intervention is key. The sooner you address these issues, the better.

This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. If you have concerns about a child’s internet use or well-being, please consult with a qualified professional.

References:

Ariani, G. A. A. P. P., Suryani, S., & Hernawaty, T. (2018). Relationship between academic stress, family and peer attachment with internet addiction in adolescents.

Tsai, S. M., Wang, Y. Y., & Weng, C. M. (2020). A Study on Digital Games Internet Addiction, Peer Relationships and Learning Attitude of Senior Grade of Children in Elementary School of Chiayi County. Journal of Education and Learning, 9(3), 13-26.