Is Your Child Addicted to The Internet if They are Always Online?

Posted: Jan 25, 2011 |

Internet addiction is defined by a set of parameters that goes well beyond how much time is spent online and on the computer. Just as a child may be involved in sports or other activities and spend hours each day playing basketball or the guitar, that does not mean he is addicted to those activities.

The Internet is a tool.  Extensive use of the Internet does not necessarily mean a child has an unhealthy dependency. Today, kids are online at school, at home, via their smartphones, they need to do homework online often and it has evolved into an important tool for socializing - both on and offline.

Consider the following questions in order to determine if a child may have an unhealthy dependency on Internet use that requires attention or treatment:

1. Does he spend a lot of time thinking about being online even when he is not online? Listen to what he talks about in between online sessions.

2. Has her Internet use increased over time? Pay attention to how much time she is spending online and changes in usage patterns.

3. Does he express a desire to spend less time online, but is unable to set limits and stick to them?

4. When she spends less time online, does it seems to have a detrimental effect on how she feels?

5. Does he frequently go online intending to make it brief and unintentionally stay longer?

6. Does the time he spends online effect his real-life relationships or responsibilities like school?

7. Does she actually lie to you about how much time she spends online?

8. Do you notice that he goes online  when he is sad or stressed – like an escape from reality?

Mental health professionals believe that responding yes to five or more of these questions, indicates there could be a problem that requires action. While this does not necessarily mean that professional help is required, it does mean that it would be advisable to take further steps and consider implementing some changes that can help prevent Internet Addiction from developing.

Parents should establish reasonable limits and at that same time be fully aware of how their children use the Internet. Given how much the Internet has changed our lives and we spend more time using it, everyone should periodically ask themselves these questions and check that Internet use is not becoming an unhealthy part of life.

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