Video games and Internet use can be addicting?! Absolutely, although it is not a clinical diagnosis yet, addictive-like behaviors with the computer, video games, and Internet are real. Compulsive gaming can lead to dependence, irritability, or depression. If one already has symptoms of anxiety or depression, a gaming addiction only makes it worst, and those that stop addictive gaming behavior see their symptoms of depression and anxiety decrease; studies show that it is a direct correlation as to what influence gaming has on mental health. 

We get it, the Internet on our computers and especially on our phones are ways to cope, communicate, get information, and of course, entertain us. 

There are as many pros to Internet use as there are cons. Think about it, the Internet helps us retain knowledge, connect with long lost family members, stay in touch with loved ones, share memories, find scholarships, jobs, and the list goes on. Being able to monitor how much Internet we use (for our entertainment) on a daily basis is key in brain development. Entertainment includes instagram, phone games, cyber-bullying, blogs, Snapchat, Kik, Facebook, Twitter, pornography, sport updates, fashion sites and other similar websites. Students, it's not about not using internet at all, it is learning new healthy innovative ways to cope, develop relationships and stay safe by limiting Internet use. Take about 5 minutes to look at the questions below to self-reflect.

 

Did you know if you expose your brain to the Internet or gaming for 5 hours in one sitting that it can make structural brain changes? So, parents, this gives you a good guideline for how much screen time your child should have in one day.