Could your Child be an Internet Addict?

Some readers may view an obsession with online time as a harmless phase, as is the case with most. It usually requires mild intervention to be resolved, or, in more severe cases, the help of licensed therapists of psychologists. However, you may recall the South Korean couple, Kim Yoo-Chool and Choi Mi-Sun, online gaming addicts who, in 2010, were so immersed in a virtual reality game that they neglected what was actually real. This resulted in the tragic death of their three-month-old daughter due to starvation - at the apogee of horrifying, but this is what could happen when a syndrome, coined by modern professionals as “Internet Addiction Disorder” is taken to the extreme.

While not yet an official diagnosis, this discovery is given serious consideration by the 2012 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association – and kids, too, are vulnerable. CNN indicates that this is most likely when children are depressed or have ADHD (the hyper-focus aspect).  A study also indicated its prevalence: 10.8% of 2,293 seventh grade Taiwanese students surveyed were found to be addicted, while boys, due to gaming, are at a higher risk than girls.  

Jason Dick, an internet security specialist has outlined fifteen key factors to help you identify if your child is indeed hooked on the internet. They are as follows:

1. The Internet is frequently used as a means of escaping from problems or relieving 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. He/She lies to family member and friends about the amount of time or nature of surfing being done on the Internet.
6. Your child becomes irritable if not allowed to access the Internet.
7. He/She has lost interest in activities they once found enjoyable before getting online access.
8. Your child forms new relationships with people they have met online.
9. They check their email several times per day.
10. He/She has jeopardized relationships, achievements, or educational opportunities because of the Internet.
11. Your child disobeys the time limits that have been set for Internet usage.
12. They eat in front of the computer frequently.
13. Your child develops withdrawal symptoms including: anxiety, restlessness, or trembling hands after not using the Internet for a lengthy period of time.
14. Your child is preoccupied with getting back online when away from the computer.
15. They have trouble distinguishing between the virtual world and the real world.

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So how do you prevent this from happening to your child?  First of all, if you have realized that your child is even getting closer toward this undesirable behavior, nip it in the bud.  The younger you are able to catch it, the easier it is.  But before you do…
1. Take a look at yourself. Are you a good role model? Try a self test at www.netaddiction.com.
2. Take note of outside factors that may be causing this behavior. Negative changes in the household, stress at school, bullying, can all be causes of retreating into a virtual world.  
3. Take time to talk to your child everyday. Open communication lines with parents ease up many things and create a better general environment.
4. Encourage other activities outside the home. Have your son or daughter take up sport, art or music classes. Expose them to these activities live, and not online, and you may foster an interest.
5. Keep watch of household internet use. You are the authority figure; set limits.

If all else fails, do not be hesitant to consult a professional.  A Cognitive Behavioral Therapist is the best option, or you may turn to a spiritual adviser or a church group.

Remember, the ills that may befall a child addicted to the internet are not limited to social withdrawal, an aggravation or development of behavioral problems, back disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome and even unhealthy sexual development. They are plenty, but prevention can be summed up in a single word: awareness.

Keep your child interested in a variety of things, have regular family dinners or time together with close friends or relatives, constantly praise him or her for achievements in school, sports or art, and on that line, sports is actually the best for a child’s confidence. This summer presents a wonderful opportunity to have your young one try out new things, tag the whole family along on a real surfing trip sans the mouse! Daily quality time with your kids means more to them than you think! Also, do not ban internet time entirely as the web has become an integral part of daily life, but do impart to them that there is a big world out there waiting to be explored!

Photo by hoyasmeg from flickr creative commons