Balancing tech time and avoiding 'internet addiction' in children The Center for Parenting Education says spending too much time on devices can lead to an internet addiction. Just like any addiction, it can disrupt a child's life. Author: Jeremy Downing Updated: 11:07 PM EST February 3, 2021 TOLEDO, Ohio — Kids today have grown up with electronics, with many rarely having spent a day without a smartphone, tablet or the internet. Add in the recent holidays, and it's an easy bet that your kids may have received a new device for Christmas. The Center for Parenting Education says spending too much time on devices can lead to an internet addiction. Which, just like any other addiction, can destroy a healthy balance of interests and activities in your child's life, especially for younger kids.