What are the signs of problematic Internet use?

Does your child spend lots of time on the computer using the Internet? Excessive Internet use can interfere with children's daily life and can lead to mental and physical health problems.

Here are signs of concern for problematic Internet use:

• Does your child spend more time online than agreed or intended?
• Does your child object to or have difficulty ending an Internet session?
• Does your child object to accessing the Internet in shared family space (like the family room)?
• Is your child secretive or defensive about his Internet use?
• Have your child’s grades gone down?
• Is your child neglecting homework, chores or family meals?
• Have your child’s friendships and time spent with friends decreased?
• Has your child’s personal hygiene deteriorated?
• Is your child sleepy or spaced out?
• Is your child more irritable, depressed, or distracted when not online?

Use the CMCH Database of Research to learn more about Internet addiction/problematic Internet use.