Warning signs that your child may be abusing technology:

1. Suddenly turning off the phone, computer, or gaming device when you enter the room.
2. If you have access to their Facebook account or share an e-mail address and notice a decrease in activity or fewer e-mails – this could mean they have set up another account.
3. Lying about their internet activity, Facebook friends or suspicious posts or pictures.
4. Usage of computers, gaming devices, or cell phones seems excessive.  So instead of technology being a small part of their life, it becomes a time consuming highly valued and prominent aspect of their life which interferes with school, family and other healthy social activities
5. They are no longer willing to share a password with you or change a password they previously shared.
6. Internet history and or “cookies” are regularly deleted.
7. Highly defensive or annoyed when you inquire about their internet activity or use of their phone or gaming device.
8. Secrecy about what they are doing on the computer, gaming device, or phone.
9. Usage of computers, gaming devices, or cell phones at night or after bedtime.
10. Unusual amounts of pop-ups begin to appear on the computer that your child is using.

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About the author

Drew Read
Drew Read graduated from the McCallie School before he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Denison University. He was a stockbroker in Cincinnati before relocating to Vidalia in 1994 where he accepted a position at the Paul Anderson Youth Home (PAYH). Since September of 1994 he has been a member of the PAYH staff where he has served as a teacher, headmaster, and Administrator. After completing his Master of Business Administration from Emory University in 2004, Drew was named the Chief Operating Officer. Drew has written numerous articles and a booklet entitled Dangerous Trends impacting your child. He has spoken at national conferences regarding the role of the family and has worked with teenagers and their families since 1994. Drew is married with two children.