"Internet Addiction Trumps Drug Use Concerns for Parents of Teens, Study Reveals"

A survey published in JAMA Network Open found that parents of adolescents are more concerned about internet addiction than substance addiction. The study revealed that while internet use fosters family connectedness, it also raises concerns about cyberbullying and addiction. The survey assessed parents' perceptions of the risks and benefits of internet use in areas such as physical and cognitive development, safety, addiction, and family connectedness. Excessive internet use has been associated with mental health problems, including alcohol dependence, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The study highlights the need for greater education and support for parents in promoting healthy internet use in their young adolescents.