“A Healthy Internet Starts with You” Video Series (Parents)
Jointly produced by Education Bureau and Department of Health
Speaker: Ms. Stephanie Lam , Clinical Psychologist of Student Health Service, Department of Health
Episode 2 Internet Addiction
What is Internet addiction?
Parents are advised to observe their children’s behaviour. There are signs to look for if you suspect your children may be using the Internet excessively.
Firstly, they often use more time online than planned or even adversely affect their daily routine such as sleep or self-care.
Also, they may become agitated or angry when online time is interrupted. They may be preoccupied with online activities, feel lost and anxious when offline.
Parents should also be aware of any academic problems such as sudden decline in grades, failure to hand in homework, being late for school and truancy.
When children get addicted to the Internet, they will gradually cut off contact with others. They prefer to spend time online rather than with family or friends. Having conflicts with family when restricted from online access.
Besides, they may also withdraw from their usual extra-curricular activities and reduce face-to-face interactions with friends.
What can parents do to prevent their children from Internet addiction?
To prevent Internet addiction, parents are advised to establish open and positive communication with their children since young age for appropriate computer use.
Parents need to adjust their ways of supervision according to children's degree of maturity and self-control ability.
For those at a younger age, such as primary school students, ensuring the use of these products according to mutual agreement between parents and children at an early stage can effectively avoid misuse. Establish rules for computer and smartphone use at an initial stage before permission is granted.
When formulating the agreement, we need to specify usage time frame, for example, the daily accumulated screen time should be limited to within 2 hours, except for doing homework online.
Computers and smartphones should be locked with password protection and prohibited for use while parents are not at home.
When formulating the agreement, we may allow some special arrangements. Time of use can be adjusted under special occasions, for examples, more time for computer use may be granted during holidays and less time during examinations.
Rewards can be given to increase their motivation to comply with the agreement. Consequences of violation of rules need to be addressed, for example, screen time will be deducted the next day as compensation for violation of agreement.
For children who are more mature, such as secondary school students, open communication is recommended. Getting their understanding and cooperation are more advisable than restrictive measures.
Parents can cultivate an atmosphere of open communication by recognising their acceptable needs such as their needs for entertainment or regular communication with peers. Parents are suggested to encourage their children to comply with agreement for appropriate use of the Internet and computer.
When handling or restricting inappropriate use of computer, parents should stay calm and insist on the execution of the agreement consistently.
Parents also need to be patient to find out if there are reasonable explanations for their children's violation of rules. Rules may be revised to adapt to change of circumstances.
When your children have demonstrated appropriate degree of self-control, more autonomy can be granted for their computer use.
What can parents do if their children are having the problem of excessive use of the Internet?
Parents are advised to understand your children’s difficulties and underlying problems such as lack of achievement motivation, low self- esteem, learning problem, over reliance on gaming for a sense of satisfaction and achievement.
Children may be more willing to discuss their problems and seek help from you if they feel being understood.
Besides, parents can help their children understand the risks of Internet addiction and help them develop proper attitude to using the Internet. Parents may assist their children in time management and develop their interests and strengths. Their social network can also be expanded by participating in a wide variety of activities.
Parents should maintain close and regular communication with school. Early recognition of signs and symptoms of excessive use of the Internet is important. Parents should seek help from school teachers or social workers for follow-up and counselling if necessary.
© The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 2018
The copyright of this video is reserved for HKSARG. No reproduction of the video is allowed for commercial purposes. School may use part of or whole of the content for non-profit educational purposes.
Student Health Service, Department of Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlCOn4XMYlg&feature=youtu.be