Beyond gaming, kids are filling their free time with other internet activities: social networking, instant messaging (IM), blogging, downloading etc. Dr. Kimberly Young, Director of the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery, identified the following potential warning signs for children with pathological internet use:
Loses track of time while online
Sacrifices needed hours of sleep to spend time online
Becomes agitated or angry when online time is interrupted
Checks email several times a day
Becomes irritable if not allowed access to theiInternet
Spends time online in place of homework or chores
Prefers to spend time online rather than with friends or family
Disobeys time limits that have been set for internet usage
Lies about amount of time spent online or “sneaks” online when no one is around
Forms new relationships with people he or she has met online
Seems preoccupied with getting back online when away from the computer