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***Teens And Internet Addiction***

– China is trying to get addicts back to “the right track”.

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Last year, a 19-year-old Chinese teenager rushed to hospital after chopping off his hand by his own so as to cure his addiction to the internet. In 2014, a Chinese man collapsed and died inside an internet cafe in Shanghai after playing World of Warcraft for 19 hours straight. In 2011, another man died after internet gaming for 3 days straight.

Horrible or not? It is a great alarm to AWAKE the society!!!!

Recently, The State Council of China published its draft of a new law on the protection of minors from Internet addiction. The draft calls for banning minors from playing online games between midnight and 8 am, mandating blocking software in smartphones and prohibiting clinics from using electroshock and violence to treat addiction. A question comes : how serious the teen internet addiction is in China?

In China, over 700 million people have access to the internet, some teenagers even use more than 17 hours of screentime and game play on a daily basis, parents finally have no choice but force their internet addicted children into “military-style” detox camps to get rid of addiction. In 2008, China became one of the first countries to declare Internet addiction an official medical condition. Experts defined it as a mental disorder. People with Internet Addiction Disorder spend more than 6 hours online doing something other than work or study. Based on the definition, China has over 20 million “web junkies” according to official estimates and a growing number of clinics and military-style “boot camps” designed to rehabilitate them.

However, in 2014, a 19-year-old girl at a rehab center for teenage internet addicts in Henan province died after being kicked and dropped by her instructors for 2 hours. Her death is the latest example of military-style boot camps—intended to cure China’s supposed millions of internet addicts—gone horribly wrong. To make matters worse, some of the camps employ former Chinese military personnel. A 17-year-old student who were in a rehab center said “We can’t contact the outside world. Even the mail we sent will be checked by teachers in case we say anything bad about the school.”

The US’s first internet addiction rehab camp opened in Pennsylvania in 2013. Will it be a trend to deal with internet addiction? It is worrying that these camps can “kill” teens in another way. Let’s see a video and know more about the Chinese rehab centers.

 

Reference:

  1. http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/the-digital-addiction-that-has—–teens-wearing-nappies-so-they-dont-need-a-toilet-break/news-story/5e0d321846a93337dc9f0260fc0ffc23
  2. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/11345412/Inside-the-Chinese-boot-camp-treating-Internet-addiction.html
  3. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11386325/Chinese-teen-chops-hand-off-to-cure-internet-addiction.html
  4. https://qz.com/224591/chinas-cure-for-teenage-internet-addiction-is-worse-than-the-supposed-disease/
  5. http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/07/health/internet-addiction-treatment-center/

 

– Ways to tackle internet addiction

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Generally, therapy for internet addiction includes individual therapy, group therapy, behavior modification exercises and developing other interests via art therapy, recreation therapy or similar programs. Also, some parents may enroll their teen in a group home, wilderness therapy program or residential treatment center to help the teen truly break away from old, negative habits and get help in a safe and secure environment.

How do the governments tackle the problem of  internet addiction?

In Japan, internet “fasting camps” have been set up in response to claims that hundreds of thousands of teenagers are abandoning the real world for the virtual one.

The first addiction camp opened in 2005 in the capital, Beijing (China). The camps treat the country’s young addicts for their dependence on the Internet and video gaming. Gaming appears to be the most addictive Internet behavior. In late 2013, Shanghai approved new laws demanding that parents take action to “prevent and stop minors smoking, drinking alcohol, roaming the streets, or being overindulgent with online and electronic games”.

Despite healing camp, teens and parents also need to pay efforts. Below are some tips to tackle internet addiction!!!

To teens

Teen addicts can set your computer usage boundaries early on. Remind yourself how much good progress you’re making by tracking the amount of time you spend online compared to the boundaries you set in step one. Also, to get your family and friends onside. Ensure your family keeps you accountable and limits the amount of time you spend online. Set a time limit in hours or minutes and make it clear that there are no valid excuses for extended use. You may give their parents the passwords. Once you’ve got the agreement of your family or roommates to help you out, let them change the passwords to your computer’s user account till you can manage to self-regulate with the help of some self-discipline. On the one hand, you  can uninstall computer games, and vow to stay away from social networks and other recreational web destinations for at least a month or two.

Find recreational activities in real life and completely replace your internet entertainment with them!!!!

To someone who knows addicts

Helpguide.org provides the following tips for helping someone who is addicted to a computer or the Internet:

  • Introduce the Internet addict to other people who handle their use of the Internet reasonably.

  • Serve as a good role model for the Internet addict by properly managing your own use of computers and the Internet.

  • Support a person’s desire for change if it appears that he or she is an Internet addict.

  • Talk to the person about your concerns that he or she may be an Internet addict.

  • Get the person involved in interests that aren’t related to the Internet.

  • Encourage an Internet addict to seek professional counseling.

To parents

Adolescents often become addicted to the Internet as they become less dependent on their parents. Helpguide.org provides the following tips for parents of Internet addicts:

  • Encourage other interests and social activities.

  • Talk to your child about underlying issues.

  • Monitor computer use and set clear limits.

  • Get help.

In a two-parent household,  parents must take the issue seriously and agree on common goals. Discuss the situation together and if necessary, compromise on desired goals so that when you approach your child. 

In a single-parent household, the parent needs to take some time to think about what needs to be said and to prepare for the likely emotional response from the child. Addicts will feel threatened of curbing computer time, the parent may then feel guilty of what he/she has done to the child. It is important not to respond to the emotion and stay focus on the topic of the Internet use.

Moreover, parents should set reasonable rules by working with your child to establish clear boundaries for limited Internet usage. Allow perhaps an hour per night after homework, with a few extra weekend hours. Stick to your rules and remember that you’re not simply trying to control him or her. If all those methods cannot help, seek help at a rehabilitation center. Although internet addiction obviously hasn’t been around as long as alcohol or drug addiction, there are still some rehabilitation centers where trained professionals can help guide addicts toward a healthier lifestyle.

 

Reference:

  1. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11386325/Chinese-teen-chops-hand-off-to-cure-internet-addiction.html
  2. http://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/can-boot-camp-cure-internet-addiction/2442322.html
  3. https://www.webroot.com/hk/en/home/resources/tips/ethics-and-legal/family-internet-addiction-what-can-parents-do
  4. http://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/11-ways-to-detect-and-solve-internet-addiction.html

– Effects of Teen Internet Addiction

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Everything has two sides – Internet also. Hardly could we say Internet is bad because it depends on the way of how human using it. With the huge amount of information present on the internet, teenagers can use it for academic purposes. They can know everything happening in the world and be informed inside.

However, there are various impacts of internet addiction found from different researches. According to Helpguide.org, internet addiction can be defined as compulsive use that interferes with the natural flow of one’s daily life, relationships or work. To know whether a person gets addiction or not, Dr. Kimberly Young, Director of the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery, identified the following potential warning signs for children with pathological Internet use:

  • Loses track of time while online

  • Sacrifices needed hours of sleep to spend time online

  • Becomes agitated or angry when online time is interrupted

  • Checks email several times a day

  • Becomes irritable if not allowed access to the Internet

  • Spends time online in place of homework or chores

  • Prefers to spend time online rather than with friends or family

  • Disobeys time limits that have been set for internet usage

  • Lies about amount of time spent online or “sneaks” online when no one is around

  • Forms new relationships with people he or she has met online

  • Seems preoccupied with getting back online when away from the computer

  • Loses interest in activities that were enjoyable before he or she had online access

  • Becomes irritable, moody or depressed when not online

In China, Korea, and Taiwan, internet addiction is a growing health issue: studies indicate that up to 30% of the population in these countries may experience problematic Internet use. The negative impacts of Internet addiction includes, the impact on interpersonal relationship where the relationship of an individual is getting further from surrounding (Morahan-Martin, 2005). Individual might face behavioural problem due to over usage of Internet where they are reacting differently than the normal behaviour (Kubey, Lavin & Barrows, 2001). In addition, physical and psychological problems may occur. All these harms will be discussed in the followings. 

Social effect

People who have Internet addiction tend to lose track of time and neglect responsibilities. They uncontrollably use the computer to relieve stress or try to find self-confidence. With the Internet, through social networking sites, Students can make a lot of friends from other countries. After a long time, they may feel sick or anxious when staying away from the computer. Thus, they will easily  alienate themselves from family and friends. The social circle breaks.  The addiction can lead to the inability to communicate in the real world by depriving the addict of the daily practices involved with interpersonal communication.

A study by Stanford University found that for those spending more than 10 hours per week online, up to 15 percent reported a decrease in social activities. Addicts will have less time for the old relationship. Some may even feel afraid of chatting face to face with friends. They just feel comfortable when they at home in front of a computer. They feel shy in reality. They prefer to talk and chat in somewhere which can separate them from the real world. Therefore, social circles in the real-life are finally fading. 

Psychological problems

Some researchers also argued that excessive Internet users exhibit more severe Internet addictive behaviours. The extent of Internet use increases depression and decreases self-esteem (Jeon, 2005; Young, 2006; Yang & Tung, 2004). Wellman and Gulia (1999) reported that online relationships can be strong and could strengthen real world relationships but later it could be faded it. 

A new study by psychologists at Leeds University in England found that people who spend a lot of time online are more likely to show signs of depression. Here are some signs of depression from the National Institute of Mental Health:

  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

  • Decreased energy and fatigue

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness

  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

  • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping

  • Irritability and restlessness

  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once found pleasurable

  • Overeating or appetite loss

  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems

  • Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings

  • Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

  • Abandoning hobbies, friends and activities the teen once enjoyed in favor of being online.

  • Frustration, irritability or anger when the teen is not able to be online.

  • Drop in school performance, including worsening grades.

Addictive surfing can have a serious impact on mental health. Frequent Internet use has been linked to anxiety, addiction and social isolation. 

Physical health

Internet overuse can lead to weight gain and a decline in physical fitness. Other symptoms can include carpal tunnel syndrome, dry eyes, migraine headaches, a decline in personal hygiene and back aches, according to Maressa Hecht, founder of Computer Addiction Services and a member of the Harvard Medical School. Evidence also suggests that internet addiction can contribute to sleep disturbances. Studies of Chinese and American children, published in the “Journal of Sleep” and the “Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics,” found that the use of computers before bedtime has also raised concerns to affect the quality of sleep.

On the one hand, the American researchers (October 2015 Journal of School Nursing) recruited 331 adolescents, aged 14 to 17, to study whether Internet use might influence blood pressure in teens. The survey discovered that 4 out of 10 teens used the Internet more than 2 hours every day. 19 percent of these heavy users had high blood pressure. That’s compared to just 7 percent of light users. Another 4 in 10 teens reported moderate use. These teens had moderately high blood pressure.

 

 

 

 

Reference:

  1. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11386325/Chinese-teen-chops-hand-off-to-cure-internet-addiction.html
  2. https://www.techwalla.com/articles/the-effects-of-internet-addiction
  3. http://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/internet-addiction
  4. http://www.about-teen-depression.com/ATD/internet-use-linked-to-depression.html
  5. https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/internet-use-may-harm-teen-health
  6. https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/internet-use-may-harm-teen-health
  7. https://www.webroot.com/hk/en/home/resources/tips/ethics-and-legal/family-internet-addiction-what-can-parents-do
  8. http://www.livestrong.com/article/134688-internet-addiction-health-effects/

– A General Picture of Teen Internet Addiction

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person-apple-laptop-notebook

Teens use internet to socialize, pass time, gather information, and entertain themselves. but, more seriously, for some teens, the internet has become an addiction. Internet addiction is defined as problematic use of forums, chat rooms, websites and other online resources to the extent that it interferes with daily activities and personal communications. Actually, internet addiction indeed is not in the list of mental disorders in the bible used by clinicians: the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, internet addiction has been formally recognized as a disorder by the American Psychological Association.

8 years ago, China issued the country’s first diagnostic definition of internet addiction (China Daily).China classified internet addicts those who spend at least 6 hours online a day and have shown at least one symptom in the past 3 months. According to the Chinese doctors’ saying, symptoms of internet addiction include yearning to get back online, mental or physical distress, difficulties in concentrating and sleeping, and irritation. In addition, Chinese doctors claimed that 80% of addicts could be cured with treatment, which usually requires 3 months.

According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project (see below) , Generations Online in 2009, the percentage of American teens aged 12-17 online in 2008 was 93%, compared with 87% of this age group in 2005.  The report revealed that 78% of teen internet users aged 12-17 said game playing is the most favorite teen online activity. It is absolutely no doubts that internet usage by teens is more widespread than ever.

chart

Moreover, Teens and Generation Y (internet users age 18-32) are the most likely groups to use the internet for entertainment and for communicating with friends and family. These younger generations are significantly more likely than their older counterparts to seek entertainment through online videos, online games, and virtual worlds.

In America , 3560 high school students was interviewed. The survey showed that those students with “problematic Internet use” were more likely than their peers to be depressed and aggressive (Timothy Liu , Yale University, 2011).

The study surveyed students at 10 different high schools in Connecticut, asking more than 150 questions about health, risky behaviors, and impulsiveness — including 7 questions on Internet use.

Teens were asked to say if they had ever missed school or important social activities because they were surfing the Web, or if their family had expressed concern about their time online.

Those 3 questions were used to criticize if a student had “problematic Internet use”. They asked students if they ever had an “irresistible urge” to be online, if they had experienced “a growing tension or anxiety that can be relieved only by using the Internet,” or if they had tried to quit or cut down. 4% of them met the criteria for problematic Internet use. Girls were more likely to answer yes to one of the questions, but more boys said they spent in excess of 20 hours a week online — about 17% of boys, compared to 13% of girls. Problematic Internet users were also tended to be more depressed and would get into serious fights more often.

person-woman-apple-iphone

Internet addiction seems to cause people less intimidating than face-to-face communication. Visiting forums and chat rooms gives them a way to develop relationships without directly facing their fears. However, some cases showed that depression can cause internet addiction. Because the internet becomes an emotional outlet. When there are feelings of happiness, sadness, fear, grief, excitement, etc., the Internet is used as the place to share or release those feelings.

Furthermore, people who communicate with others in reality may feel uncomfortable so he/she will be more defensive about being online so much. According to Jerald Block – a psychiatrist at Oregon Health & Science University, believed that  problematic internet use will in time be recognized as its own disorder. “When you start using (the computer) 30 hours a week, it becomes a container for emotion,” he said.

On the one hand, peer is another factor to get teens abused in internet use. If a person’s peers are engaging in excessive Internet use, the behavior starts to seem more socially acceptable. Once teens get addicted, hardly could they be able to stop their use of the internet. But it also means that increasing stress occurs when they cannot access to internet. Being abused in using internet may diminish teens’ ability to concentrate and think creatively. Internet can distract them from vital tasks or slow their work and problem solving, thus, teens being always online should be alone with thoughts sometimes.

the-strategy-win-champion-the-championship

Excessive internet use can disrupt sleep as well, which not only can have a serious impact on overall mental health, but also can impact memory and ability to think clearly, and reduce cognitive and learning skills.

Last but not least, a UK study found that the more time teens spend on social media, the more likely they display negative personality traits which can create an unhealthy self-centeredness, distancing teens from real-life relationships and making it harder to cope with stress.

References:

  1. https://www.addiction.com/3420/teens-internet-addiction/
  2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/121871-internet-addiction/
  3. http://www.helpyourteens.com/teens-and-internet-addiction/
  4. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-teens-internet-addiction-idUSTRE74I6OA20110520
  5. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/smartphone-and-internet-addiction.htm