Timothy was twelve years old when his parents bought him a computer for his room, thinking it would help him with his homework as he was entering high school. Timothy immediately went online and soon discovered chat rooms and email. At first, Timothy’s parents looked over his shoulder frequently to make sure he was using the Internet safely. However, after a while, they stopped monitoring their online habits. However, problems soon arose. Timothy began spending all of his free time in his room and sulked when asked to spend time with his family. His average grade dropped from an A to a D and he became irritable and angry when he was away from his computer. Timothy is at high risk for Internet addiction.
Computers have long been used by children and adults as reliable sources of information. More than 20% of children now have computers in their own rooms and, through the Internet, they have access to an unlimited supply of information and interaction. However, the risks of addiction are very great among children who are exposed to the Internet without strict parental guidelines.
Excessive Internet use in children can lead to health problems such as obesity, headaches, and general health problems due to lack of physical activity. Children can become socially maladjusted and less able to communicate well with friends and family. Pedophiles can and do target children online. There is a high risk that children who use the Internet excessively will be exposed to inappropriate sexual content, as well as scams. Excessive gambling and the use of online services can also cause children to spend money without the knowledge of their parents. Lastly, most of the popular online games show excessive use of violence. Viewing violence trivialized in a virtual world, such as television or the Internet, has been linked to a marked increase in behavioral violence among young viewers.
So what are the warning signs of internet addiction? Psychology and media experts have compiled a list of warning signs of internet addiction:
1. The Internet is frequently used as a means of escaping trouble or alleviating a depressed mood.
2. Your child often loses track of time while online.
3. Sleep is sacrificed for the opportunity to spend more time online.
4. Your child prefers to spend more time online than with friends or family.
5. Lies to family and friends about the amount of time or the nature of surfing the Internet.
6. Your child gets irritated if he is not allowed to access the Internet.
7. You have lost interest in activities that you once liked before accessing online.
8. Your child forms new relationships with people he has met online.
9. They check their email several times a day.
10. You have jeopardized relationships, achievements, or educational opportunities because of the Internet.
11. Your child disobeys the established time limits for Internet use.
12. They eat in front of the computer frequently.
13. Your child develops withdrawal symptoms including: anxiety, restlessness, or shaky hands after not using the Internet for a long period of time.
14. Your child is worried about reconnecting when away from the computer.
15. They have trouble distinguishing between the virtual world and the real world.
It is very important that parents identify Internet addiction in their children at an early age and set limits on their use of the Internet. My next article will provide a serious contract that parents can use with their children to set limits and limits on Internet use.