Are children becoming addicted to the Internet?

No

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by Cynthia Hentz

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Are children becoming addicted to the internet?

As the mother of two teenage boys who frequent the internet, I don't see this being a problem or becoming one if you they have one factor in the equation...parenting . In our home, we are fortunate to have more than one computer. One is located in my home office mainly used by me and the other in our family room, thus used by the kids. The computer in our family room is placed at a desk that is visible from anywhere in the room, including my kitchen. It has been set up for an administrator and then also for each of the kids to use under separate log in names. Thus, the availability for monitoring is very easy and there is no doubt about who went where and did what in the history pages.

Our home has rules. One of the rules in our home is that during the school year, the computer and internet is to be used first for homework only. We feel school is our children's job. They are expected to give 150 percent to that job and perform well. That doesn't mean we expect all A's out of each child, but we do expect them to work at their top potential level, whatever that may be. If they don't take responsibility for their job, then they need to understand that there will be consequences. In today's world, the computer and internet is a necessity in order to do that job well. If you don't have teenagers, let me explain. The average modern day high school uses an interactive program to communicate with students on a daily basis. This program allows each student to have an individualized program that coordinates with their daily class schedule in school. Here in the program, they can see homework assignments and projects, view presentations and notes received in class, turn in assignments, and communicate with their classmates and instructors. The program site also provides a research tool that can be individualized as well. It truly is a great tool when you consider the number of students in a high school of today and the amount of information that can be found there at your fingertips. Back to our rule, homework first then any chores that they need to do. Yes, I said chores. In our house everyone contributes no matter how old you are. By having each of the kids help in some aspect, as parents we are not only teaching them to be responsible, but also helping them develop skills they will need to have to live one day on their own. Just think how many loads of pink underwear you could have avoided if your parents had taught you how to sort laundry and run the washer. After a family dinner and the dinner dishes are cleared, homework done, and everyone has assembled what they need for the next day, our kids have free time to choose what they will do until bed time. On most nights, both will choose to do several activities including: to read, watch television, practice an instrument, listen to music, put in extra time studying, play video games, or spend time with the family. Now don't fall over on the last part of that sentence, because yes it does happen. They will also choose to spend time on the internet as well.

Each of the boys, who are 14 and 16 have accounts and pages with one of the major interaction sites. My husband and I are aware of their sign in names and passwords, so that monitoring the actions, posts, and applications that occur there can be done easily. Their profiles on the interaction sites are also set up in a way to protect them as much as possible. We do this together, so they understand why we are doing so. Any pictures that are posted must be approved by us. Content that appears whether they post it or not, can be asked to be removed by us without question. I also have an account in my own name as well, so that I can first hand interject when needed. There is an understanding made between the boys, my husband and myself about using the internet. The boys are not to visit post or actively participate in any site, discussion, or group that they wouldn't do so with us standing right beside them. If they do, then they have consequences. It is that simple. The rule is clear and enforced. When they first had the computer available to them, they visited some inappropriate sites, got caught and well, lost their privileges on the computer for a designated time. Now don't think that we came to this point easily, because it wasn't. There have been instances where the kids have done things behind our back, visited sites they weren't supposed to, and had things we didn't approve of posted, thus results of my husband and me not being on our toes parenting. In the end, the offender did receive punishment that fit the infraction of the rules and we knew as parents we needed to be more educated as well as proactive in our approach to the internet.

Educating yourself and children is a big part of eliminating the unknowns of the internet. What you don't know or choose not to learn can come back to bite you right where it hurts if you are not careful. Taking the time to set up your family computer with administrator rights, personal log ons, virus protection, and of course security is well worth it if you have members surfing or using the web on a regular basis. Establishing clear concise rules and enforcing them for using the internet for each member of the family can eliminate many hours of headaches later. Finally, communicating as a family regarding the interactions while using the internet can be your most valuable tool. By letting your family know what is appropriate and not in conversation as well site content will provide everyone with a better experience and allow full benefit of the wonderful internet speedway.

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