The Internet has exploded to become a daily part of our lives. For the majority of individuals, the internet represents an incredible information tool and unquestionable opportunity for social connectedness, self-education, economic betterment, and freedom from shyness and paralyzing inhibitions. For them, the internet enhances their wellbeing and qualitity of life. For others, however, it can lead to a state that appears to meet the DSM definition of a mental disorder described as a “clinically significant behavioural or psychological syndrome associated with present distress or with a significantly increased risk of suffering death, pain, disability or an important loss of freedom” (American Psychiatric Association 2000).

Adolescents may be particularly attracted to the Internet for a variety of reasons; developmental issues, social dynamics (family factors and peer interactions), and cultural components. This can pose some very challenging parenting delemas. The internet generation faces a situation totally different from what their parents have faced. The dynamic rate of change allows no role models anymore, no points of reference. Parents and educators can no longer ask each other: Now how did we handle that? They are familiar with other risks on the road to adulthood but often lack personal experiences with cyberspace.

They are the first generation challenged to set limits for their children in an area in which their children know more than they do.

Parents should not be daunted by this new situation. They can still draw on their life experiences to set limits. Access to the Internet and cell phones makes young people and children more independent from the adult world, but this independence entails risks as well as opportunties.

The internet also create new challenges for clinicans, educators and health care professionals who work with children, adolescents and families and may not be familiar with the latest findings on how to assess or treating this problem.  In an effor to better understand this new phenomenon I will be presenting a workshop through the Child and Adolescent Outpatient Mental Health Services at North York General Hospital.

For more information:  Unplugged Event Flyer North York General Hospital

Date: June 14, 2012

Time: 11:00 am – 12:00pm

Location: Branson site of NYGH, 555 Finch Avenue West, 5th floor

Contact: Debra Levine to reserve your spot  – work #:  416 6328733