How to spot internet addiction in teenagers as study finds it can 'rewire' their brains
Millennials were the first generation to grow up – partially at least – online, but Gen Z and the incoming Gen Alpha are the first age groups to grow up in our new always-connected world.
Now, a new study has found that internet addiction in teenagers could actually be rewiring their brains.
The findings, published in the journal PLOS Mental Health, determined that this type of addiction could rewire areas of the brain that control attention and that allow us to understand our own emotions.
It also indicated that internet addiction is associated with disrupted signalling in the regions of the brain involved in multiple neural networks.
"These networks play an important role in controlling our attention, in association with intellectual ability, working memory, physical coordination and emotional processing – all of which in turn have an impact on mental health," said the study's co-author Max Chang, an associate researcher at University College London (UCL).
"Internet use has been skyrocketing, with adolescents spending more and more of their waking hours online. With this, has come an increase in adolescent internet addiction. Given that adolescent brains are more capable of changing than those of adults, understanding the effects of internet addiction on the brain and behaviour is vital for society as a whole."
The report reviewed 12 neuroimaging studies of internet-addicted teenagers to observe any changes in the connectivity between brain networks.
In each study that was reviewed, when the internet-addicted youths took part in activities that required attention, planning, decision-making and impulsivity, these regions showed a 'significant' disruption.
"Such signalling changes could mean that these behaviours can become more difficult to perform, which could potentially impact development and wellbeing," Chang explained, adding that further studies are needed to form a more complete picture.
How to spot internet addiction in teenagers
Rychel Johnson, mental health expert and senior contributor at Our Public Records, says that internet addiction is a 'growing concern for today’s digitally-immersed youth', and says there are some signs that excessive internet use may be causing issues for your kids.
If the obsession interferes with other aspects of life
"If they seem totally obsessed with getting online to the point where it's interfering with other things in life ... like if they start skipping homework or chores just to stay connected and if they're not being honest about how long they're really spending on screens each day," Johnson explains.
They are unable to cut back
"Another indicator is if they seem unable to cut back, even when you explain how it's affecting their grades or behaviour," Johnson says. "You'll also notice irritation or anxiety arising when you broach the subject of screen time or try to implement any restrictions."
They withdraw from in-person social activities
"Withdrawing from real-life social activities they used to like and only wanting to socialise online is also rather concerning," Johnson says. "These kinds of changes could signal a potential problem that's worth addressing before it escalates."
How to address an internet addiction in teenagers
If the above signs, or ‘red flags’ as Johnson call them, do crop up, she says that it’s ‘crucial’ to address the situation with compassion rather than more crackdowns and rules.
"I recommend having an open conversation to understand what needs the internet may be fulfilling for them [such as] connection, stimulation and escape," she explains. "Validate these underlying desires as normal, but explore healthier ways to meet them that don't involve problematic habits."
Johnson also advises involving your children in creating a schedule with screen-free periods and rules that you both agree on. Although, if conflicts persists, she recommends seeking professional guidance.
"Raising kids in today's tech-heavy world isn't easy," she adds. "As much as we may want to, banning screens completely isn't realistic or helpful. The key is teaching our kids to use technology in a balanced, self-aware way. We have to lead by example with our own habits, being mindful of how much time we spend on devices too.
"It takes work to get the balance right, but our kids will really benefit from learning to engage with the digital world in a healthy way."
Additional reporting by SWNS.
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