Iran warns of 'Internet addiction'

Iran has warned families to protect their children against online predators and other dangers lurking on the Internet, saying 'unwise' access had led to many mental and psychological problems, report agencies.  

An IRNA report said the directive issued by the Police Head Office for Public Education demanded stricter  parental supervision over what their children were accessing online. 

"Today, the best communication means of the world has been manifested in the Internet, which like a sea boat familiarizes us with exquisite

shores of the world, but these shores are always frequented by dangerous sharks," it said.

Referring to "psychological and spiritual tensions in families that have unwisely used computers and the Internet," the directive said  "Immoral images on the Internet lead to depression, ideological weakness as well as psychological damage." 

It advised youngsters to beware of succumbing to "Internet addiction",  avoid immoral sites which affect  physical and mental health, and to avoid replacing real family and friends with electronic variations.