by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: November 18, 2009

It is very easy for children to become to attached to their computers and the internet. There are so many things to do that it is nearly impossible not to spend hours exploring it. Excessive use of the computer can signal a problem though. Children shouldn't spend all their time at the computer. Life holds too many wonderful things outside the computer world.

Here are some ways to tell if a child's excessive use of the computer signals a problem:

Your child gets upset when the internet is down- If your child gets too upset when the internet goes down because he/she doesn't have anything to do, it may signal a problem. It is important that kids have other things to do besides the internet. Your child should not be that worried over internet service. Too much time on the computer can weaken your child's ability to have normal relationships away from it. When this happens, there is definitely a problem.

Must keep a constant check on his/her profiles and emails- When your child feels the need to check his/her email every five seconds, there is a problem with too much computer use. There is no need to keep a constant check on emails and profiles in social networking sites. Checking every now and then is one thing. Not being able to walk away from it because they are afraid they will miss something is quite another.

Is overly bothered by what a stranger says and does because it is their "friend"- A "friend" on the internet says or does something that really upsets your child. There is no reason for the upset since they don't really know the person outside of the computer screen. This signals a very bad problem with excessive use of the computer where your child is concerned. Children shouldn't be so involved on the computer that they will care what someone they don't know is saying.

Spends more time with online friends than real life friends- If you can't get your child away from the computer long enough to interact with the family and real life friends, it signals a problem with too much computer use. You need to encourage your child to get away from the computer for a while in order to establish and hold real relationships. These types of behaviors denote addiction to the computer for your child.

It is important to keep a close check on your child's behavior when you feel he/she is spending too much time on the computer. There are great things about the internet but the one big downfall is the easy addiction to it. Help your child break free from using the computer too much. Keep the problems away by restricting how much time your children can use it and you may find that the addiction won't be a problem.

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