A recent study conducted by a Korean doctor noted an increase in the number of Korean children suffering from what is described as Internet addiction. According to a report by Dr. Sung-min Yoon, of the Asian Clinic at the NY Child Center, many Korean children in the New York area are suffering from this addiction. Parents typically complain that their children are spending far too much time on the Internet and in some cases completely missing school.
Worried parents frequently attempt to curtail their children's Internet use by forbidding it, hiding the modem, or by other means. When these simple efforts fail, many parents feel frustrated and resort to canceling Internet service altogether. Yet, when the children complain that without an Internet connection they are prevented from doing research for their homework, most parents relent. Unfortunately, in most cases, the cycle of Internet abuse then begins all over again.
Parents are turning to the professionals with a list of a variety of complaints: children spend too much time playing computer games; surfing the net; using social networking sites; chatting; skip meals or other family times; ignore homework; or no longer attend sports events. Essentially, face-to-face contact suffers as virtual contact increases.
Dr. Sung-min Yoon said the reported symptoms are quite serious and likens some aspects of Internet addiction to other addictions, such as drugs, gambling, or drinking. Usually, a person will start out slowly, but will soon increase the amount of time physically spend in trying to satisfy the addiction – satisfaction is at the root of the diagnosis of an addiction. Internet-addicted children no longer enjoy anything else.
He noted that, typically, when a parent blocks an addicted child's access to the Internet, the child will react with a range of predictable symptoms: increasing nervousness; become indignant or prone to rage, often acting out with violence against parents, siblings, or school; exhibit an inability to maintain normal schedules and routines, changing sleep patterns, mealtimes, study habits, and school attendance, with a possible drop in grades. Children tend to become more reclusive and withdrawn; family bonds, perhaps already weakened, break and must be restored.Experts offering some insight into this addiction often look at the influence of family and peer interactions. When children become teenagers, they are typically closer to and more easily influenced by their friends than parents. These days, there is immense peer pressure for a child to inhabit – and often escape to – a virtual social world, such as Facebook, My Space, chatting or virtual games. If parents are not able to provide a balance with physical presence and interaction – quality family time – children can easily become addicted to the virtual pleasures provided by the Internet. Parents are urged not to ignore, dominate or control their children; instead, they should take an active and real interest in their children's lives and activities.
Children who are by nature shy or introverted also seek a form of psychological freedom through the Internet. Parents are encouraged to support their children's public and social skills and activities, so that children can develop positive attitudes and experience personal satisfaction with situations that are "real." This is especially important because the virtual world can be quite enticing, intense, stimulating, and often violent.
Pediatricians suggest that children should be given a proper introduction to computers. This includes setting time limits on use, and explaining that the computer is a tool that can both benefit and do harm, depending upon how it is used. Parents should teach children patience and self-control regarding Internet use, and demonstrate proper recreational or educational uses for computers and the Internet.
Children with suspected Internet addiction should receive proper help, especially if the child is exhibiting signs of depression or emotional distress requiring a professional diagnosis. Specialists underline the need for families to find ways to be together. Family time can include conversations, games, reading, or other forms of entertainment and should provide positive involvement for the child in real life events.
