Does your teenager spend way too much time on the Internet? There's a high chance that he or she might have ADHD or an emotional condition like depression or anxiety. And if your child does, your ADHD parenting should be geared towards preventing an internet addiction from developing.
New research from Taiwan's Kaohsiung Medical University reveals that Internet addiction is strongly associated to ADHD and depression. Two thousand fourteen students were assessed for ADHD symptoms, symptoms of depression, and Internet addiction through a questionnaire. The data collected shows that those with ADHD symptoms or depression are more likely to have an Internet addiction. Males addicted to the Internet were also found to show more hostility than women.
Although it's not an official disorder, someone is said to have Internet addiction when he or she cannot control the time spent online, neglect real life responsibilities because of the time spent on the Internet, or prefers to go online instead of attending to personal relationships. As with other types of addiction, an Internet addiction often arises as an attempt to escape from unwanted situations or negative emotions.
If you consider the symptoms of ADHD, it's no surprise that teens and adults with the disorder are at risk for an Internet addiction. The fast-paced online games and social networks satisfy the ADHD person's constant need for new stimulation. The study discovered that social anxiety contributes to the overuse of the internet; since individuals with ADHD are more likely to have social difficulties, they can take on another identity and have an easier time contacting like-minded individuals. Through the internet, they can socialize without being bound by conventional social norms.
So how can you make sure that your ADHD teen does not develop an Internet addiction? Here are a few tips to prevent this problem from occurring.
Monitor Internet time. There is no way you can ban the child from using the Internet; these days, kids need to go online to view and fulfill their homework requirements. Instead of prohibiting your child from using the Internet, monitor and regulate the time spent online and the activities your child engages in. On week days, limit Internet usage to an hour or two. Allow your child to check social network sites, but save the online gaming for the weekends.
Put the computer in a public place. If your child is at risk for Internet addiction, do not put a computer in his or her room. Instead, put it in a common area like the den or the hallway. This integrates the Internet into the hustle and bustle of everyday life rather than making it an escape that you go off to in privacy.
Plan family activities. Engage your child in more family activities like day trips, board games, or movie nights. Not only will this keep your child away from the computer; it will also strengthen your relationship and reduce his or her need to use the Internet for social interaction.
Encourage extracurricular activities. Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities to stay busy and social during weekdays. Not only is this a great way of meeting like-minded people with similar interests, but excelling in an extracurricular activity will boost your child's self-esteem.
Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about what is adhd.
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