10 Signs Your Child Is an Online Addict

10 Signs Your Child Is an Online Addict

O is for 10 Signs Your Child Is an Online Addict for #BlogchatterA2Z. The Internet is an important source of information, education, entertainment, communication, and social networks. With the prevalent use of smartphones, computer tabs, laptops, and gaming consoles, internet connectivity is easily accessible. Anonymity, adult entertainment programs, and information explosion on the internet attract youngsters. Internet addiction is a spiralling public health concern in the world right now.

10 Signs Your Child Is an Online Addict:

1. Constantly thinking about gadgets, even when not using them.

2. Finds it hard to stick to time limits for gadget use, spending hours on screens.

3. Losing interest in schoolwork or other academic activities.

4. Gets upset or angry when you take away their device.

5. Experiencing physical symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, or fatigue.

6. Spending less time outdoors and glued to screens, preferring gadgets over family or friends.

7. Accuses parents of ill-treatment when screen time is restricted.

8. Engages in prolonged viewing of TV.

9. Neglects household chores or makes excuses to avoid tasks.

10. Always keep their mobile close by, even during meals or bedtime.

Technology and Gadget Use:

Teenagers are getting hooked to gadgets and it’s causing serious problems. Internet addiction among teens is going up fast. It messes with their feelings toward family and makes their school grades drop. They end up acting like zombies, with mood swings. They turn grumpy when they want to escape reality. If they spend more time watching screens, they’ll get irritated if told to stop. This is a sign they need help from a counsellor or professional.

Impact of the Virtual World:

A minor task done in the real world arouses the reward cycle in the brain. In the virtual world, the release of dopamine is far more powerful. Virtual games and animation flood the mind with dopamine. When we snap them into the real world, they react with irritation. Studies state that there are radical changes in their eating and sleep routines.

Role of Parents and Teachers:

Mindfulness of the harmful effects of extreme use of gadgets and screens is increasing. Parents and teachers are concerned and starting to talk about how to deal with this danger. They are worried about digital addiction because of bad behaviour in schools and problems in families.

Digital High

Experts compare digital addiction to cocaine addiction, calling it a “digital high.” Brain scans, like MRI scans, show that using digital devices affects the brain similar to taking cocaine.

The similarity between digital and drug addiction is the withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms include withdrawal, tantrums, eating disorders, excuses, short attention spans, and defiance. Restlessness and impatience are also common symptoms.

Impact of Changing Family Dynamics

With more nuclear families and fewer playgrounds, parent-child relationships are suffering. Many susceptible children are turning to digital gadgets for comfort. Being an ideal parent showing love and affection can reduce the chances of internet addiction. But if parents are strict or careless, their kids will develop an addiction. Millennial parents feel overwhelmed by the daunting task of protecting their kids online. Experts must teach them how to build trust and talk to their children. Schools should offer counselling to both parents and kids. Choose the Expert Internet Filtering System-Happinetz.

Smart Ways to Control Kids’ Screen Time

Parents need to learn how to help kids use less tech. Setting strict limits doesn’t work. It makes kids want to use gadgets even more. Parents should talk with kids and set rules they both agree on. For example, taking breaks from screens every 40 minutes. Counsellors and psychologists recommend working together to reduce gadget use and promote healthy activities. Parents should explain why too much screen time is bad. Only then counsellors can help more.

Experts suggest:

Don’t wait for big problems. Parents should talk often, set rules, and show a life without too many gadgets. If adults set good examples and make homes safe, kids can learn healthy gadget habits.

How much screen time should we allow?

Many kids in cities spend 2 to 7 hours each day using gadgets. Experts suggest only 1 to 2 hours daily for screen time, including phones, tablets, and gaming consoles.

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