Is Your Child a Cyber Junkie?

Top 10 warning signs of cyber addiction

By Kevin Roberts

During the unstructured days of summer, children can easily get lost in cyberland. Most young people use computers, video games and the Internet responsibly, but an increasing number exhibit borderline-addictive behavior. They play video games, surf the Web, text, or obsess on social networking sites like Facebook so much that their health, relationships or schoolwork may suffer.

If your child exhibits three or more of the following traits, it may be time to intervene:

□ Time warp (the inability to determine time spent on cyber activities)

□ Changes or disruptions in sleep

□ Withdrawing from family and friends

□ Losing interest in other hobbies and recreational activities

□ Spending more than three hours a day, more than four days a week, in cyberland

□ Physical ailments: backache, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve pain, eye strain, etc.

□ Emotional disturbance when access to the cyber world is taken away

□ Withdrawal symptoms after cyber activities: headache, malaise, light-headedness

□ Continued excess despite serious adverse consequences

□ Spending ever-increasing amounts of time on cyber activities

Parents should be aware of how much time their children spend on cyber activities this summer, and understand that a problem in this area could simply be a sign of a deeper issue. Excessive interest in the cyber world often signals ADHD, social anxiety, depression, and a great variety of other psychological disorders and conditions.

To prevent or curb cyber junkie behavior, try finding other activities for your child to do, and link “screen time” with healthier behaviors like riding a bike, spending time with friends or summer reading. Do some research to keep abreast of the latest video games and Web sites. If your child is still struggling, despite your best efforts, consider seeking professional help.

Kevin Roberts is the author of Cyber Junkie: Escape the Gaming and Internet Trap (KevinJRoberts.net).
For more resources or to find a licensed family therapist near you, visit TherapistFinder.com.