Parent-Adolescent Relationship and Internet Addiction in Young People

Abstract

Summary

Children and adolescents increasingly use the internet, raising concerns about problematic internet use (PIU), which is linked to addiction-like behaviours and dopamine stimulation similar to other addictions. PIU affects mental health, academic performance, and daily functioning, with boys more prone to gaming and girls to social networking. Factors include cognitive development, coping skills, and parental influence. Parental behavioural control can help, while psychological control may worsen PIU. Poor parent-adolescent communication and technoference increase risk. As the prevalence of PIU is high, understanding parenting styles, communication, and socio-cultural factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to prevent PIU in young people.

Background

Children are using the internet and technology more and at earlier ages. Research suggests that younger adolescents are more likely to develop internet addiction as a result of non-essential internet use¹ so internet addiction in adolescents is inversely proportional to age.² It is generally well understood that the use of devices such as smartphones affects the production of dopamine, which is a chemical associated with addiction to smoking, alcohol, and gambling. Children who use these devices often show a similar pattern of addiction.³ Children and adolescents use the internet as their primary means of communication and socialization.⁴ Boys show greater addiction to online games whereas girls tend to be addicted more to social networks.⁵ Estimates suggest that approximately 30% of high school children have difficulties with their internet use.⁶