What are the impact of the Internet on our children?
Researchers discussed at the University of Leipzig on the impact of digital media on psychological and physical health of children. They pointed out in addition to real risks, such as Internet addiction can also have positive aspects of Smartphones. About the content of Christian’s nephew, reported in the Leipziger Volkszeitung.
Too little research to electronic media
According to the Saxon Minister of science Eva-Maria Stange, there is far too little research on electronic media and its impact on children and young people.
Interdisciplinary
At the Symposium, Researchers discussed from the field of nutritional Sciences, medicine, psychiatry, communication Sciences, pedagogy, media studies and computer science.
Neither demonize nor glorify
The child and youth physicians Wieland Kiess advised to a more differentiated point of view. It is neither to demonize digital technology you blind. He said: “We must always keep an eye on how the new technology is changing our life, our health, and our social development.“ The speeches were found: There is Internet addiction, dependencies and health consequences as other addictions. But also, excessive Internet use, it should be no Addiction.
Model Parents
Much the role model of mothers and fathers to be, according to the media researcher, Claudia Lampert,. She said: “The use of media by children begins with the observation of their parents.” To condemn the child hastily for his Internet use was counter-productive. Makes sense, if the parents deal honestly with the content and programs that the children control and space for reflected discussions about it.
Mediocrity helps children to self-regulate
Parents should control the children, neither too much nor too little, if these media. For example, children may learn to self-regulate.
Excessive Internet Use
A need had been, Every child of ten years of seats, on average, two to three hours per day on the Smartphone.
Researchers keep the following associated with excessive Internet use for detected: ADHD, chronic fatigue, drop in performance in school and Obesity. They stressed, however, that it is not yet clear whether and in which direction this relationship is causal. So, it is conceivable that people with ADHD surfing frequently in the Internet or Obese more often in front of the screen sitting to operate as a sports – it is the question of the chicken and the Egg. Internet addiction is often facilitated by other psychological problems.
Positive Aspects
Maic Masuch, University of Duisburg-Essen showed the positive aspects of computer games in the field of medicine. This would raise the awareness of young cancer patients for certain drugs, burn victims from the pain, distract, or in the case of a Depression of social interaction.
There is not only the „evil Internet“
Wieland Kiess noted that diseases have a cause. The same is true for Internet addiction, which is recognized according to the world health organization officially as a disease. (Dr. Utz Anhalt)