Is Your Child Addicted To The Internet?

A lot of parents these days have one big concern: is their kid addicted to the Internet? However, a report from the U.S National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released a statement saying that "screen time" is actually a bigger problem than Internet addiction.

"Screen time" is any amount of time spent in front of any type of digital screen. This would include that of television, video game consoles, handheld devices such as smartphones and tables, and of course computers.

The real question now is, how much time should you be allowing your kid to be on the Internet and in front of any digital screen in general? What if you have signed up for an online private tuition for your child that requires him or her to be online?

Let's Go Straight to Some Screen Stats

There is a rising concern from parents around the world o the amount of time being spent by kids inside "screen worlds." The real concern is that their kids may be missing out on some of the best real life experiences because of time spent in front of a digital screen.

Here are some statistics where these concerns may have stemmed from:

It is estimated that young children to teenagers with ages between 8 to 28 spend around 44.5 hours every week in front of a digital screen.

Around 23% of young children and teens have reportedly felt some sort of addiction to video games. The breakdown between males and females is 31% to males and 13% to females.

Signs that your child may be addicted to the Internet

Know that if your child has been spending too much time online, a somewhat compulsive behaviour may begin to develop. This kind of behaviour can lead to Internet addiction, which in essence is the same as any other addiction - it can greatly affect the healthy balance between normal activities and interests in your child's life.

Here are some signs that may tell you if your child is starting to develop an addiction to the Internet:

• Becomes angry when interrupted while on the Internet.
• Stays on the Internet far longer than what was intended.
• Would rather be online than spend time with friends.
• Get's agitated when access to the Internet is denied.
• Doesn't tell the truth on the amount of time being spent online.
• Tries to sneak online when adults aren't watching.
• Stays up almost all night just to being online.
• Starts to break rules on time limits set for using the Internet.
• Has lost all interest in interests previously enjoyed prior to being online all the time.

What are the dangers behind uncontrolled screen time for kids?

Everything starts at home, and it is definitely up the parents to regulate the amount of time their kids spend on the Internet. An example is when you decide to go for an online tutor hunt for your child, you should be able to get someone who can engage your kid in a fun learning environment online. 

Additionally as a parent, you have to ensure that your child has enough time for valuable activities such as eating healthily, reading, doing their homework, writing, some useful physical activities, and many other creative extracurricular activities.

If you are not careful, you risk your child to the negative effects of too much screen time such as:

• Increased chances of being obese. No physical movement brought about by unregulated screen time is often co-related to munching on high calorie snacks.
• Harder time getting to bed, this problems with falling asleep on the right time as they continue to obsess about the Internet, video games, and television programs during the night.
• There is an increased possibility of developing depression, anxiety, and attention problems, including ADD and ADHD.

Credit: Sarah Pto