Homeschooling and Internet Addiction

In the Newsweek article is the Web Driving Us Mad? It says that “a preponderance of research shows “a link between Internet use, instant messaging, emailing, chatting, and depression among adolescents,” as well as to the “strong relationships between video gaming and depression.” It goes on to say, “The latest Net-and-depression study may be the saddest one of all. With consent of the subjects, Missouri State University tracked the real-time Web habits of 216 kids, 30 percent of whom showed signs of depression. The results, published last month, found that the depressed kids were the most intense Web users”. This doesn’t have to be the case for your children!

There are a few things that I think can safeguard you from advocating Internet addiction. While you have your kids at home and you are responsible for their education, consider the percentage of classes your children take online; the fewer the better in my opinion. Maybe consider making non-computer curriculum a prioritized criterion in your search for new curriculum. An important balance to maintain as a homeschool family is the need for technology education and free time on the computer. By monitoring your children’s digital media intake you can make sure that they don’t waste too much time and don’t develop signs and symptoms of internet addiction.

Through MRI scanning, Internet addiction has been identified as causing the same kind of changes in the brain as those seen in people addicted to alcohol and cocaine. Before you totally freak out and quit using the Internet altogether, is encouraged, you aren’t automatically addicted because you or your student is online frequently. The Internet is a very useful tool that can aid in learning and life activities and it is at your fingertips to utilize! Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the huge database and helpful schooling supplements and the occasional enjoyment you may find on pinterest! I know I do!

Most online activities release dopamine into the brain’s pleasure centers, addiction happens with this lead to an unhealthy obsession with these pleasure-seeking experiences. Those who are addicted usually feel helpless against stopping their Internet action. It becomes the absolute priority in their life and their real world relationship usually suffers severely. I don’t mean to be frightening any parents out there! I just want to spread awareness so that you can have a leg up on any potentially harmful activity. Just do your best to keep a balanced monitor on your students digital media intake and you will be just fine!