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I saw this article entitled “Generation of child web addicts: Youngsters are becoming so obsessed with the internet they spend more time on YouTube than with friends as parents struggle to keep control of their online usage” and the included infographic today and frankly was not surprised, but boy, am I concerned. This article doesn’t speak of the dangers of online pornography, but we know from the statistics that it is real, and it is growing. We are raising a generation of kids that NEED to be constantly connected and this is causing a multitude of problems. Problems in development, in socialization, in relationships and in identity.

As parents, grandparents, coaches, educators etc., we must be educated and prepared to help the young people in our lives deal with this growing problem. Here are some signs of internet addiction to look for:

• Feelings of guilt
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dishonesty
• Visible Euphoric feelings when in front of the computer
• Unable to keep schedules
• No sense of time
• Isolation
• Defensiveness
• Avoiding doing school work
• Agitation
• Backache
• Headaches
• Weight gain or loss
• Disturbances in sleep
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Blurred or strained vision

Obviously, with kids and teens some of these behaviors are quite normal from time to time, what we are looking for are the patterns. Please check out our store for two great resources, Wonderfully Made Babies and Plunging Pornography to educate yourself and start this vital conversation with the young person you love…

May God bless you and your families!