Internet Surfing Addiction

Internet addiction is a topic that has come under intense scrutiny and debate in recent years as Internet usage has skyrocketed and concerns about overuse have grown simultaneously. Internet surfing addiction is an especially troubling issue for parents of young children who can be affected even more seriously by such a problem during their important formative years. But what is the true nature of this issue? And, if you're a parent worried about your child's screen time on the Internet, what can you do?

Technically, Internet surfing addiction has not been formally recognized by the American Medical Association as a true "addiction." However, the AMA has recognized – and anyone affected by this problem can attest – that Internet addiction certainly has some serious side effects. In fact, studies have shown that Internet addiction shares many of the same behavioral and health consequences of gambling addiction.

If your child has shown troubling signs of overuse that have lead you to believe Internet surfing addiction might be a reality in your family, your doctor should be the first resource for help. However, the Mikko Que can also be part of a healthy, effective system for monitoring and managing your child's screen time on the Internet and a number of other entertainment devices in the home. With the Mikko Que you can reduce the use of electronic devices 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 comes from knowing their children are not up watching TV, playing video games, or surfing the Internet during sleeping hours.

To learn more about the Mikko Que, the effective parental control tools it provides parents, and how it can be used to help stop Internet surfing addiction, contact us today.

Media Management for Children … It’s time.