臺北市新住民專區網站英文版

by Wang Pei-ling, Director Of Counseling, Guting Junior High School

    In recent years, while working in the counseling room, I often hear parents say, "Mrs. Wang, my child is always at home playing online games. He/She doesn't go out and doesn't study. Is my child addicted to the internet? What should I do?"

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Internet Gaming Disorder was officially recognized as a mental disorder in June 2018. There are three criteria for diagnosis, including loss of self-control, impact on daily life, and the above issues are evident for at least 12 months. Internet Gaming Disorder is specifically referring to children losing control over internet gaming and resulting in a disabling of life, not children “spending too much time on games".

    The definition of "internet addiction" in schools mainly refers to the negative impact on school, work, social life, family, and physical and mental functions due to excessive use of the internet. The factors for determining internet addiction include the following 7 items, and if three or more criteria are met and the situation has continued for more than 12 months, the student can be considered internet addicted:

1. Tolerance - The student is always looking to spend more time on the internet to satisfy the urge.

2. Withdrawal - When the internet is taken away, the student experiences uneasiness and anxiety, and an incessant longing for what happens on the internet.

3. Internet use continues to exceed the original expected time and frequency.

4. Spending a lot of time on things related to the internet.

5. Inability to control internet usage, and unsuccessful attempts to quit internet.

6. Giving up or reducing important social, work, and leisure activities due to internet use.

7. Continuing to use the internet despite realizing that the above problems caused by internet use continue to occur.

   In today’s society, internet addiction is quite common among young people and it can lead to negative effects such as low self-esteem, academic or work stress, poor family relationships, poor interpersonal relationships and so on. However, it is important for parents to realize that if you want your children to stay away from internet addiction, the first step is to have a good relationship with your children. Without having a good relationship, you cannot help your child effectively. Secondly, it is important for parents to understand what your child is doing on the internet. Is it for fun? Is it for socializing? Or is it to escape reality? The underlying problem of the internet is that it creates social connections, while simultaneously cause social isolation.

    It is also important for parents to remember that if their child's internet addiction is severe, in addition to taking their child to see experts and maintaining close contact and cooperation with the child's teachers. Parents should also keep in mind that the biggest problem with internet addiction is "disconnection from other people." These people include not only peers and teachers, but also family members. Therefore, having a good parent-child relationship is essential to help children clarify their life goals, build up interpersonal relationships, and improve communication skills, etc. Having good relationships with people in the real world and participation in physical social events are the best solutions to internet addiction.