While I think that it is definitely something to take a look at and inform parents about, it reminds me of a conversation I had when I was pregnant with my second daughter. She was breech and we got to talking about the different studies that were put out about beech birth and he told me about one that he thought was very funny. It seems for years the medical establishment felt that giving birth while the baby was breech lead to the babies having dyslexia. After a decade or two, they realized it was the other way around. That because the babies were dyslexic, they became breech.
So I have to wonder, maybe the teens who are prone to being depressive are the ones who want to spend a lot of time on the internet. What do you think? Please give your opinion, experiences or advice in the comments area.
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I think you make a good point. Many things like depression, anxiety disorders and eating disorders are tied heavily into solitary activities, such as being online excessively.
I was surprised when my almost 15 year-old-daughter said to me this summer, ” I need to get away from the computer and Facebook, it is getting depressing.” When I inquired why she said that (this is in my words) she needed to chill and regroup from all the gossip and interaction on FB. She hung out with me, rode bikes, cooked, read a book and a few days later was back online and happy. She has taken 2 breaks this summer – not long, just s few days- but it made a difference. I think kids get lost online especially the social sites and say things that they wish the didn’t or just lose sight of who they really are. I like the fact that she knew to take a break. I think all kids will get depressed if they stay online too long and I am sure the effects are worse if a teen tends towards depression. I know now to make sure she takes breaks periodically whether she thinks she needs them or not.
It is an addiction. I don’t think most people recognize that. My son was addicted and literally became solitary. We ended up sending him to a private school that limited his exposure and started to ween him from it. Addiction runs in our family and we knew that. So we had him treated for addiction at West Ridge Academy. It helped, but we do have to watch him a lot and be sensitive to his issues.