by Kim Remesch

Created on: July 12, 2009   Last Updated: July 27, 2009

There aren't any 12-step programs for Facebook addicts that I know of, and even if there were, odds are children wouldn't be included. So, if you are the parent of a child who is addicted to Facebook, you are on your own. At the same time, you are not alone.

Psychologists are speaking out openly about the fact that children (as well as adults) have become facebook addicts to the exclusion of having a real life. So, we know there's a problem. And as a parent, you have that sixth sense about problems when it comes to your kids. So, the question becomes: What do I do?

Well, a lot. Here's the key to the answer: YOU are the parent. In this colorful war of parent against Facebook addiction, remember one thing: You are Batman, and Facebook is the Joker. You will win this fight, as well as the war.

What makes me so sure? Did I mention that YOU are the parent? Let's start with the extreme options you have in your arsenal of depreogramming tools: : Your house, your electricity, your rules.

So, if you believe your child has a problem with Facebook bordering on addiction, you are the one who has to take action. You are going to see pain, tantrums, and tears for any attempt to restrict your child in this area. But seriously, what's the worst outcome from putting some parameters on how your child plays online? He'll have more time? He'll see his friends more? He'll READ? He'll go outside and collect leaves from trees or pick cherries from a neighbor's tree?

For all of your initial apprehension, know that the end result is nothing that will be harmful to the child. If you worry about it for a second, put it into perspective in relation to other parenting decisions you've made. Do you limit the amount of ice cream your child can eat? Do you allow him to eat it before bed? Do you require him to brush his teeth afterwards. Why? And does he seem to be suffering from the fact that you have made these boundaries? Of course not!

That said, the initial reaction may seem horrible to you, something right of the Exorcist even. Okay, perhaps that's a bit extreme.

According to therapists, someone with a Facebook addiction (and, yes, that's how they refer to it) will suffer anxiety when faced with having his online time curtailed. Think of how you react when you lose your electricity because of a storm. You may remember reading comic books by candlelight as a child when your family lost electricity. But for as freeing as that was when *we* were children, as we grew up, a power

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>