Medical Minute: How To Spot An Internet Addiction In Teens

Internet addiction can lead to various physical and mental health problems, especially in teens. But how can parents recognize the signs?

According to Pew Research Center, 96% of U.S. teens use the internet daily, with 46% reporting they are online almost constantly. With phones, laptops, tablets, and computers readily available, internet use is at their fingertips.

Ninety-five percent of teens have access to a smartphone, and the average teen spends 7 hours and 22 minutes in front of screens every day. This can lead to several risks, but there are ways to spot internet addiction.

“We might not be physically active. We may not be getting sufficient sleep. We may not be interacting with people in person,” said one expert, highlighting the impact of excessive internet use on daily life.

Academics may also suffer. A recent study found that teens with internet addiction experience disrupted signaling between brain regions that control attention and working memory, making it hard for them to focus on schoolwork.

“Just by the nature of being on the screen, and I think it could also look at what we’re being exposed to. We know that social media has a lot of impact on people’s mood,” another expert added.

Mood changes are another warning sign. Becoming agitated or angry when online time is interrupted, or staying up late to continue online activities, are red flags. This can lead to sleep deprivation. The CDC reports that almost 73% of high school students don’t get enough sleep.

So, what can parents do?

1. Create tech-free zones, such as keeping devices out of the kitchen.
2. Set up parental controls. Apps like Bark.us and Aura can help monitor and limit online access.
3. Talk with your teen. Open discussions about the risks of internet addiction can be a valuable step toward finding balance.

A survey by Pew Research found that 74% of teens feel happy when they don’t have their phones with them. Encouraging outdoor activities and educating teens on the potential negative impacts of internet overuse can make a significant difference.