Timothy was 12 when his parents bought him a computer for his room, which they thought would be useful to him with his homework, as he was entering middle school. Timothy immediately went online and soon discovered chat rooms and email. At first, Timothy’s parents watched over his shoulder frequently to make sure he was using the internet safely. After a short while, they stopped monitoring his online habits. But soon problems arose. Timothy began spending all of his free time in his bedroom, and had a mood swing when asked to spend time with his family. His grade point average dropped from A to D and he became irritable and grumpy when away from his computer. Timothy is a high risk of Internet addiction.

Children and adults have long used computers 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 high among children who are exposed to the Internet without strong parental guidance.

Excessive use of the Internet in children can lead to health problems such as obesity, headaches, and general ill health due to lack of physical activity. Children may develop social maladjustment and be less able to communicate well with friends and family. Online pedophiles can also 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 gaming and use of online services can also lead to children spending money without their parents’ knowledge. Finally, the majority of popular online games depict excessive use of violence. Viewing minor violence in a virtual world, such as on television or the Internet, has been linked to significant increases 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 way to escape from problems or relieve a depressed mood.

2. Your child often loses track of time while online.

3. Sleep is sacrificed to allow more time to be spent online.

4. Your child would rather spend time online than with friends or family.

5. Lies to a family member and friend about the amount of time or nature of surfing done on the Internet.

6. Your child becomes irritable if he is not allowed to access the Internet.

7. He lost interest in activities he found enjoyable before accessing the Internet.

8. Your child forms new relationships with people they meet online.

9. They check their email several times a day.

10. Relationships, accomplishments, or educational opportunities are jeopardized by the Internet.

11. Your child is breaking time limits for using the Internet.

12. They eat in front of the computer frequently.

13. Your child shows withdrawal symptoms including: restlessness, restlessness, or shaky hands after not using the Internet for a long period of time.

14- Your child is busy getting back on the Internet when away from the computer.

15. They find it difficult to distinguish between the virtual world and the real world.

It is very important for parents to identify their children’s Internet addiction at an early age and set limits on their Internet use. My next article will provide a no-nonsense contract that parents can use with their children to set boundaries and limits on Internet use.