Internet Addiction, Depression, and Other Negatives of Too Much Screen Time

Internet addiction, depression, and other behavioral and mental health issues – what is the relationship, if any, between these problems? A study performed by psychologists in the United Kingdom and reported in February 2010 found that Internet addiction and depression may certainly be linked. If you're a parent of a child who seems to enjoy spending time on the Internet just a bit too much, what can you take from the results of this research?

The study found that for those suffering from Internet addiction, depression was found at a higher rate than among others who were not addicted. However, a direct causal link was not found between these two issues. That means that just because someone is addicted to the Internet does not mean they will necessarily become depressed; nor does it mean that someone who is depressed is more likely to become addicted to the Internet. Either of these two scenarios may play out, but they are not concrete.

As a parent, this research certainly reinforces the fact that screen time on the Internet and other multimedia devices should be monitored, as a number of negative side effects – including depression – may result. Of course, you should speak with your family doctor if you're worried about your child's Internet usage, but you may also be interested in the Mikko Que. This innovative device gives you unprecedented ability to monitor and manage your child's screen time on the Internet and a range of other devices in the home.

With the Mikko Que you can reduce the use of electronic devices – and potentially avoid issues such as Internet addiction, depression, and more – by decreasing your child's time allowance over a period of time.  For example, in a given month you might allow your child 10 hours a day of use. Then, you can reduce usage to eight hours a day the next month and so on until your child's media consumption is more in line with recommended standards. This technique is less obtrusive and will result in less resistance.  It will also give parents the peace of mind that their children are not up watching TV, playing video games, or surfing the Internet during sleeping hours.

Contact us today for more information on the Mikko Que and how it can help you teach your children responsible media consumption habits and avoid Internet addiction, depression, and other negative consequences of too much screen time.

Media Management for Children … It’s time.