by Cynthia Hentz

Created on: July 05, 2009

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

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