Many children spend several hours on the Internet engaging in various activities. This has become a source of concern to several parents particularly because the internet is robbing them of real-life experiences.

Some children don’t know how to make friends in reality because they spend most of their time online. If you know how to spot when your kid is struggling with internet addiction, it becomes easier to set some rules that will reduce their dependence on the internet.

Here are some signs that show your kid is addicted to the internet.

Withdrawal symptoms

You can tell if your kid is struggling with internet addiction when they experience withdrawal symptoms if they spend time away from the internet. Some of these withdrawal symptoms may include fatigue, anxiety, irritability, inability to sleep properly, etc.

Lose track of time when online

When a child is addicted to the internet, they may lose track of them when they are online. This means that they can spend several hours surfing the internet without paying attention to other activities that they have to do.

When they are off the internet for some time, it may seem like they spent a short time, and they will be eager to go back to the internet again.

They focus less on academic work

As a child’s dependence on the internet increases, their interest in school work reduces. Their focus and concentration will reduce and it will be noticeable from the lens of the teacher. Such children may skip assignments, and their performance on tests might not be as expected.

Prefer to spend time alone

When a child is struggling with internet addiction, they will prefer to stay alone instead of being around people. You will notice that their relationship with friends and family will not be smooth because of their aversion to social gatherings.

Lie about Internet use

Anyone who is addicted to the internet is likely to lie and this applies to children too. They may lie about the number of hours spent on the internet so that they won’t get blamed.

It is no secret that young people are increasingly becoming addicted to technology such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. With the advancement of technology, it seems that these devices are replacing valuable relationships and family time. Additionally, these virtual tools can become a way to hide or escape real-life issues, creating an atmosphere of avoidance. Unfortunately, youth are not just becoming addicted to technology; they are developing an addiction to drugs and alcohol as well.

Studies have shown that young people can become addicted to a substance more quickly than adults due to their underdeveloped brains. An adolescent’s brain is not yet mature and so it is more vulnerable to certain substances, namely alcohol and drugs. The abuse of substances like marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol can lead to forgotten commitments and reduced social participation.

The number one cause of substance abuse in young people is found to be boredom, peer pressure, and having a negative outlook on life. Young people may find overcoming these challenges difficult, especially when surrounded by peers who are participating in the activity. Additionally, trying to fit in with peers can cause young people to make decisions they may not normally make.

Symptoms of substance abuse in teenagers include behavior changes, mood swings, irritability, increased aggression, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in activities, poor academic performance, and withdrawal from family and friends. These changes are often gradual and difficult to recognize at times. It is also commonly seen that young people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol will also be addicted to technology. With technology becoming increasingly embedded into our everyday lives, it is easy to become dependent on it, leading to an addiction.

When someone is addicted to technology, they may have compulsive behaviors such as consistently checking messages and notifications, becoming defensive when the electronic device is taken away, and feeling irritable when limited from social media use. An addiction to technology can also manifest in psychological symptoms such as depression, increased anxiety, inability to sleep, and loss of appetite. It is important to recognize the seriousness of an addiction to technology in young people as it can have a rigorous impact on their physical and mental health.

It is important for parents, educators, and health professionals to be aware of the signs of addiction for both technology and drugs and alcohol. Parents need to provide the right environment in which the children can grow up, such as establishing quality family time and monitoring the activities of their children. Communicating with the youth regarding their perception of substances, is key in preventing addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Education must be provided to young people with the aim of encouraging them to make healthy decisions and demonstrate resistant behavior. Educators should make a point of informing young people on the dangers of addiction and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Not only should drugs and alcohol be discussed, but they should also be warned of the dangers that come with technology, such as cyberbullying, inappropriate sharing of images and information, and the dangers of addiction to various media platforms, like social networks, sites, and gaming.

In conclusion, it is of utmost importance that young people are provided with the necessary resources to protect them from addiction. Through awareness, education, and proper resources, young people can be encouraged to avoid addictive behavior and live healthier, more productive lives. The user-friendly access of technology makes it easier for young people to become addicted to electronic devices and substances. Therefore, it is up to the parents, educators, and professionals to ensure that young people are armed with the necessary resources to detect, prevent, and overcome addiction.