Teen Internet Addiction - Cyberspace Today

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In today's society the Internet can be a valuable asset, an educational tool and a dangerous attraction as well as a lethal weapon. Many teens are turning to social networking sites such as Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter to make friends, mingle and more. An unfortunate reality is potential predators can also sign up and chat with your kids. As seen in Dateline's Series "To Catch A Predator," many kids are preyed upon by adults (both young and old), which can lead to trouble for all involved, especially the children. Blogging and IM Chatting are many teens' new way of communication which can be entertaining and fun - yet if not careful, can be unsafe.

Teen Internet Addiction Warning Signs:

• You suffer from anxiety. You may use the Internet to distract yourself from your worries and fears. An anxiety disorder like obsessive-compulsive disorder may also contribute to excessive email checking and compulsive Internet use.
• You are depressed. The Internet can be an escape from feelings of depression, but too much time online can make things worse. Internet addiction further contributes to stress, isolation and loneliness.
• You have any other addictions. Many Internet addicts suffer from other addictions, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, and sex.
• You lack social support. Internet addicts often use social networking sites, instant messaging, or online gaming as a safe way of establishing new relationships and more confidently relating to others.
• You’re an unhappy teenager. You might be wondering where you fit in and the Internet could feel more comfortable than real-life friends.
• You are less mobile or socially active than you once were. For example, you may be coping with a new disability that limits your ability to drive. Or you may be parenting very young children, which can make it hard to leave the house or connect with old friends.
• You are stressed. While some people use the Internet to relieve stress, it can have a counterproductive effect. The longer you spend online, the higher your stress levels will be.

An educated parent is better equipped to help limit potential danger of Internet predators and online identity theft.

At P.U.R.E.™ we promote parent awareness to help you, as parents, to protect your children's identity and your privacy online. Cyberspace can be a dangerous place for people that are not familiar with potential scams and predators. For more information to protect your family from invasion of your privacy you may want to consider Reputation.com to further protect your family from risk of virtual intruders.

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