Outline assessment strategies to screen for this issue and external stressors during an assessment for an adolescent patient. Describe what additional assessment questions you would need to ask and define the ethical parameters regarding what you can and cannot share with the parent or guardian

While some people view teen internet addiction as a simple parenting issue, many experts view it more seriously and it was considered for inclusion in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Today’s teenagers have never lived in a time without the internet where they can easily be in contact with friends, family, teachers, etc. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, make socializing with others as easy as a press of a button. Easy access to the internet is a great way to stay informed. However, extended hours of screen time can develop into addiction and other problems.

Teenage Internet Addiction

Teenage internet addiction is a real problem in today’s society and should be taken seriously. Internet becomes an addiction when the user is affected in a negative way, such as spending more time on the internet than with friends, having feelings of anxiety when away from the internet, frequently checking favorites sites (i.e. first thing in morning, throughout the day, last thing before bed), disregarding personal hygiene, and many more . The neurological footprint and symptoms of internet addiction are similar to addiction to a substance or behavior (i.e. alcohol, gambling, etc.). The neurochemicals released when acting on these behaviors are similar to those released when using the internet for extremely long periods of time.

Effects of internet addiction

Internet addiction has many detrimental effects when abused. Common effects seen in many individuals with this addiction are low self-esteem, depression, and emotional instability. These conditions have the potential to lead to worsening issues, like depression and low-esteem may lead to individuals to escape into online fantasy worlds where they create a different version of themselves . Internet addiction is not a problem that just occurs suddenly, there are several external stressors that are associated with this issue.

External Stressors

The teenage years are an emotional and stressful time of life. Teens face a variety of daily stressors including parental urging to be successful and get good grades, school projects, sports and activities, and keeping an image among peers. In an interview with Andrew Fulton , a teen who broke from his addiction to the internet, expressed that being on the internet was “really like a therapeutic release” and all the social anxiety from school all went away because he could be whoever he wanted to be online. The internet can be a place where teens can temporarily escape their feelings, feel numb, and social connection. Teens who are still developing healthy coping skills may not know how to effectively cope with these stressors causing the internet to be their only source of soothing.

Assessing for Internet Addiction

People are unique and symptoms will manifest differently. Based on the diagnostic standards of pathological gambling, the following criteria must be met: Preoccupation with the internet; requires more time to be satisfied; inability to stop; emotional changes; stays online longer than intended – in addition to one of the following criteria: uses internet as an escape, lies to others about internet use, risk of loss of life endeavors. Parents can play an active role in observing for signs of addiction as well. For instance, observed spending many hours on their phone or online, feelings of anxiety or frustration when not online, abandoning friends and hobbies, falling behind on assignments or deteriorating grades, dropping out of social groups, etc. Treatment and support will more likely be successful if these behaviors can be identified and managed early.

Treatment and Support

Adolescents with external stressors are not alone and have many resources and support options. Treatment options vary from cognitive behavior therapies and counseling to medications normally used to treat depression or ADHD . Other interventions include activity monitoring, observing time spent online, and alarm clocks and goal setting, controlling internet use by setting alarm clocks or establishing a set amount of time to be online. reSTART, the residential program that helped Andrew Fulton with his internet addiction in six months, involved intensive therapy, regular exercise and monitored computer use.

The internet is a major part of the world we live in and is constantly evolving. It is vital that a balance is established between the time we use our phone and internet to socializingand interacting with people in reality. As parents and healthcare professionals, we can educate and communicate effective behaviors to prevent the issues that internet addiction can cause.