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Problematic internet use

Young people and the online world are synonymous, but when does it become excessive?

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What is problematic internet use?

The internet appears to be capable of altering the mood, motivation, concentration, and producing a dissociating and disinhibiting experience for users. For some individuals, patterns of use can transform to abuse, taking on a compulsive quality… Many of the daily spheres of behaviour, including work, appear to be affected by this powerful technology.

Dr David GreenfieldCentre for Internet Behaviour, USA

Problematic internet use is addictive behaviour— and may include excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behaviours regarding computer use and internet access that lead to impairment or distress.

The problem is more common in adolescent males than females and is very often linked to playing online games. In severe cases, online activity takes over the person’s life to the exclusion of all else.

Internet addiction has been documented and studied around the world. There are many young people around the world for whom the ability to self-regulate and manage their time online is problematic.

Online games

Computer games today may be very different to what parents remember. Games are online and interactive with players interacting with other gamers all around the world.

Online games can be very involved and immersive, mimicking real life achievements and interactions, demanding huge investments of time from large networks of players.

Online gaming can also be a concern when young children connect with people that they do not know. See the ‘Online Grooming’ fact sheet for further information on this.

Risk factors

Some young people have been identified as particularly ‘at risk’ of developing problems with excessive internet use. A young person could be at risk if they:

Signs of problematic internet use

There is no definitive list of signs that indicate problematic internet use but here are some things to look for:

What can I do?

Establishing that your child has a problem around their use of the internet or online games can be difficult. Their behaviour may quickly move from manageable to being difficult to manage.

Make sure you are with them online, check out the games they are playing for suitability and set clearly defined time limits.

Make sure the digital content is age and developmentally suitable for your child. The fact that others your child’s age play the game is not a good guide as to its suitability for your child. Check not only the rating of the game, view the content as well.

Set very clear rules about your child’s online gaming and have strict time limits. If you see your child continually trying to push the boundaries, staying online for longer than allowed or logging on when you are out or asleep, then do not ignore this.

Seek assistance sooner rather than later. Enlist the help of your child’s school, wellbeing staff, your GP and/or a psychologist. The longer you leave this issue the harder it will be to deal with.

Printable advice sheet

To download a copy of this advice sheet, see:

Education & training

Updated 26 March 2026

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