Teenage Internet addiction is a harmful condition in which a teen becomes more comfortable in the online world than in his "real" life. When he is away from his computer for long time periods, he might become distraught or angry. The Internet slowly becomes his main source for entertainment, communication and even companionship. If you suspect your teen has an Internet addiction, educate yourself about the signs, dangers and eventual treatments to help your teen learn to use the Internet in a healthier way.
Signs
Your teen may use her computer often, but it may not be an actual Internet addiction. Determine a teenage Internet addiction by looking for certain signs, like isolation from her friends. She might spend hours online, communicating with people she has never met before because she feels more comfortable that way. She may lose track of time while on the computer, says HelpGuide.org, intending to be on the computer for a few minutes when it turns into hours. And when she gets home after being away for a period of time, the computer and Internet is the first stop.
Dangers
What may seem like an innocent way to pass the time, an Internet addiction can be the result of idle time spent surfing the web. Although you might think it's harmless, Internet addiction can prove to be a major problem for your teen. It can cause him to feel isolated or depressed, and give him unrealistic expectations of interpersonal relationships. What's more, a study performed by three universities and reported in the journal "Injury Prevention" found that teenagers who overused the Internet were more likely to inflict pain upon and harm themselves.
Treatment
If your teenager seems to be using the computer in an unhealthy way, treatment can help her to learn to use the computer as a helpful tool, rather than as a social life. Identify what the Internet is being used as a substitution for, be it a relationship, acceptance or a way to escape reality. A therapist can help your teen work through problems that are causing her to run to the Internet. Imposing time-use rules for the Internet, scaling back access or removing accessible computers can also wean your teen off of excessive Internet use.
Prevention
Instead of waiting for your teen's Internet addiction to get out of hand, prevent his addiction by becoming more tech-savvy yourself, says the New York Daily News. Learn to recognize the early signs of Internet addiction, like anger when the computer is unavailable, or spending more than six nonschool related hours online. Install timers and blockers on your computer so you can limit your teen's Internet usage, and encourage healthier outlets like sports and hobbies. Keep the computer in a common area, like the living room, and out of your child's bedroom.
Healthy Use
Not every teen will become addicted to the Internet, and it should be acknowledged that healthy Internet usage is fine within reason. If your teen uses the computer for entertainment or education, and still leads an otherwise full, social and healthy lifestyle, the Internet can be a helpful tool, rather than a hurtful impediment to your teen's growth and development.
