computer addiction in children a growing concern by dr.grace macapagal

Computer-related behavioral problems in children and adolescents:a growing concern

Speaker: dr. grace macapagal

Objectives

1. Discuss current studies about the use of computer in the educational setting.

2.Define “Computer addiction” and related as it applies to clinical practice.

3.Determine the effects of computer use on children’s development.

4.Discuss unhealthy computer use in children .

5.Identify risk factors for unhealthy / pathological computer use.

6.Determine the role of parents and teachers in children’s unhealthy computer use.

7.Discuss preventive strategies.

Computer-related behavioral problems in children and adolescents: a growing concern


• We all enjoy the benefits of the Internet, and for many of us it is also an indispensable tool for work, education, and communication. While time spent on the Internet can be hugely productive, for some people compulsive Internet use can interfere with daily life, work and relationships

• When you feel more comfortable with your online friends than your real ones, or you can’t stop yourself from playing games, gambling, or compulsively surfing, even when it has negative consequences in your life, then you may be using the Internet too much.

• Learn about the signs and symptoms of Internet addiction and how you can get balance back in your online life.

Benefits of computer use in children

- Computers help introduce children to an important new technology

- Computers foster the development of technical skills

- Computers may also facilitate learning

• 1989

• 1995

Dr. Edwin Golbert

A Maladaptive Pattern of Internet use

I. ToleranceII. Withdrawal

a. psychomotor agitationb. anxietyc. obsessive thinking d. fantasies or dreams about the internete. voluntary or involuntary typing movements of the fingers

B. Use of internet or a similar on-line service is engaged in to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

III. Internet is often accessed more often for longer periods of time than was intended.

IV. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts (to cut down or control internet use)V. A great deal of time is spent in activities related to internet use.VI. Important family, social, occupational or recreational activities are given up or

reduced in duration and or frequency because of internet.VII. Internet use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent.

What is Internet addiction or computer addiction?

• Internet Addiction, otherwise known as computer addiction, online addiction, or internet addiction disorder (IAD), covers a variety of impulse-control problems, including:

• Cybersex Addiction • Cyber-Relationship Addiction • Net Compulsions • Information Overload• Computer Addiction

• The most common of these Internet addictions are cybersex, online gambling, and cyber-relationship addiction

Psychopathology of Internet Addiction (ACE)

3 Underlying Rewards accessibility

control

excitement

Presence of 3 rewards is a sign of pathological

Effects of Computer useComputer-assisted instruction (CAI)

Programs have important factors that can

Motivate, challenge, increase curiosity

And control and promote fantasy

Tzeng 1999

More freedom interactive can be

intellectually challeging

Florini 2008

Unhealthy Computer use

Neo-biological effects Behavioral effects

Landmark study

Mori 2002 ( Tokyo )

- 260 subjects with different ages- check brain wave activity during computer game- individual – hook- focus on two brain activity – resting alpha waves

• Bartolome 2006– P300 response– Specific tracing for people in shocking images– To test if it true ,people exposed in violent

shows / images

• Physical Effects- computer vision syndrome (CVS)- carpal tunnel syndrome- risk of seizure-obesity- dry eyes- migraine- backaches- eating irregularities- sleep disturbances- failure to attend to personal hygiene

Dangers of children on-line

• Children accessing areas that are inappropriate or overwhelming• Online information that promotes hate, violence and pornography• Children being mislead and bombarded with intense advertising• Children being invited to register for prizes or to join a club when

they are providing personal or household information to an unknown source

• Hours spent online is time lost from developing real social skills and from physical activity and exercise

• Red Flags of unhealthy internet use

- feels guilty or defensive

- unsuccessful efforts to quit or limit usage

- lose track

- neglect friends , family and / or responsibilities

- lying to family

- feel anxious, depressed, or irritable when computer time is shortened or interrupted

- use of computer repeatedly as an outlet

- school problems due to computer usage

- pre-occupied and anticipates using the computer

Parental involvement and monitoring may be especially important mediating factors the effect of home computers on child and adolescent outcomes:

1. General eye care tips

2. Encourage other interests and social activities

3. Monitor computer time usage

4. Monitor the content of the games / web sites / chat rooms they are visiting

5. Keep an open communication line with your child

Time Management Techniques

external stoppers reminder cards

Prevent- Computer-related problems

talking to “screen names” in a “chat room” never give out any personal information online Never agree to meet someone Never give a child credit card numbers or passwords

Remind a child not everything on line is true

Make use of the parental control features Obtain software programs that restrict access to websites Provide individual e-mail address only if a child is mature enough Monitor the content of a child’s personal webpage Teach child to use courtesy in communicating online Insist that a child follow the same guidelines at other computers

computer addiction in children a growing concern by dr.grace macapagal

Health & Medicine

use of computer

use of internet

benefits of computer

symptoms of internet

control internet use

internet addictions

online addiction

children computers