Technology Use Continuum (TUC)

* Your child uses technology only when permitted.

1 Rarely

2 Occasionally

3 Frequently

4 Often

5 Always

6 Unknown/NA

* Your child stops using technology when requested.

* Your child goes through periods of heavy technology use.

* Your child spends increasing amounts of time on technology.

* Your child will sneak use of the technology.

* Your child gets up early in the morning or stays up late at night to use technology

* Your child seems to lose track of time when using the technology.

* Your child begs or almost craves more time with the technology.

* You have made attempts to limit your child’s use.

* Your child’s grades have started to slip due to incomplete homework, failing on tests, or sleeping through classes.

* The first and last thing your child does every day is use the technology.

* Your child has given up previously enjoyed hobbies, e.g., sports, dramatics, music, outdoor recreation, etc.

* Your child’s use of technology causes arguments in your family.

* Your child completes their daily/weekly chores.

* Your child appears awake in the morning.

* Your child engages in physical activities on a regular basis.

* Your child has dark circle under their eyes or bloodshot eyes.

* Your child is constantly tired and easily falls asleep e.g., when riding in a car, sitting in an office waiting for an appointment, etc.

* Your child consumes energy drinks or other caffeinated drinks to stay awake.

* You notice your child squinting or straining to look at things.

* Your child complains of pains in their hands, wrists, or arms.

* Your child complains of back problems or shoulder aches.

* Your child eats well balanced meals.

* Your child showers every day.

* Your child brushes their teeth regularly.

* Your child puts effort in to grooming.

* Generally speaking your child is happy.

* Your child demonstrates a normal variation in their mood.

* Your child seems to enjoy life’s experiences.

* Your child is demonstrating depression either in the form of sadness or anger.

* Your child appears sullen or somber.

* Your child presents with anxiety either in the form of nervousness, agitation, or hyper vigilance when they are away from their technology.

* Your child demonstrates rage when technology is taken away.

* Your child demonstrates dramatic mood swings.

* Your child no longer demonstrates any emotions and their moods seem to be “flat”.

* Your child’s mood improves when engaged in technology.

* Your child interacts with friends without the use of technology.

* Your child will stop using their electronic device to be with their friends.

* Your child goes to their friends’ homes and they come to yours.

* You know at least a handful of your child’s friends or at least their close friends.

* Your child maintains good interpersonal skills during conversations (e.g., good
eye contact, appropriate nonverbal skills, speaks clearly or with enough volume).

* Your child spends time alone in their bedroom.

* Most of your child’s friends are online friends.

* Your child neglects their friends.

* Most of your child’s conversations occur via chatrooms/chatlines/texting/instant messaging.

* Your child lies about his or her use of technology.

* Your child no longer wants to be involved in family functions and if they reluctantly participate they do not interact with family members.

* Your child can go for periods of time without checking their electronic device or social networking site.