Internet addiction can lead to the negative consequences such as social isolation, neglecting responsibilities, and physical health problems. Here are important signs and symptoms to look out for in teenagers.
With kids ages 8 to 18 spending on average 44.5 hours per week in front of the screens, parents are increasingly concerned that compulsive internet usage is robbing them of real world experiences. Nearly 23 percent of youth report that they feel addicted to video games.
The warning signs for children with pathological Internet use:
· Loses track of time while online
· Sacrifices needed hours of sleep to spend the time online
· Becomes angry when online time is interrupted
· Checks the email or online messages several times a day
· Becomes irritable if not allowed access to internet
· Spends time online in place of the homework
· Prefers to spend time online rather than with the friends or family members
· Forms new relationships with the people he or she has met online
· Loses interest in the activities that were enjoyable before he or she had online access
· Becomes moody or depressed when not online
How to stop your child’s internet addiction
· Address the problem
· Show your care
· Set rules and boundaries