ADVISORY TO PARENTS ON INTERNET ADDICTION
Dear Parents
It is our constant endeavour to keep you updated about the perils of cyber use. Further to our circular regarding the increase in online gaming, we wish to update you about Internet Addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder which is slowly gaining momentum among youngsters. It can be described as excessive internet use that interferes with daily life. Some internet users may develop an emotional attachment to on-line friends and activities they create on their computer screens. Similar to other addictions, those suffering from internet addiction use the virtual fantasy world to connect with people through the internet, as a substitution for real-life human connection.
No addiction can be healthy. Addiction to the internet results in impairment of real life relationships and a series of health issues. Individuals suffering from internet addiction spend more time in solitary seclusion and less time with real people in their lives. As a result, they may lose interest in activities they may have enjoyed previously and become sad or irritable when internet is taken away from them.
As a generation not exposed to cyber use like the present day generation, it is imperative that we as caregivers are vigilant about cyber use and safety of our children.
We are suggesting some easily adoptable lifestyle changes which can impact your child favourably.