Parent-Child Internet Addiction Test

Written by Dr. Kimberly Young

How do you know if your child may be addicted to the Internet? Many parents at least ask their children how much time they're spending on the Internet. Trouble is, most kids are apt to lie, especially if they're already addicted. If the computer is in their room, you have no way of knowing the truth. The following test may help you determine if you are dealing with Internet addiction in your home. It will be helpful to only consider the time your child uses the Internet for non-academic related purposes when answering.

Please answer the following questions using this scale:

1 = Not Applicable or Rarely.
2 = Occasionally.
3 = Frequently.
4 = Often.
5 = Always.

1. How often does your child disobey time limits you set for on-line use?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always

2. How often does your child neglect household chores to spend more time on-line?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always

3. How often does your child prefer to spend time on-line rather than with the rest of your family?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always

4. How often does your child form new relationships with fellow on-line users?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always

5. How often do you complain about the amount of time your child spends on-line?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always

6. How often do your child's grades suffer because of the amount of time he or she spends on-line?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always

7. How often does your child check his or her e-mail before doing something else?

1 = Rarely
2 = Occasionally
3 = Frequently
4 = Often
5 = Always