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Kids being on the Internet too much poses a lot of risks. The number one risk is child predators. Like you I am extremely concerned about this. I have told both my children of the dangers and they know what to watch for. A child should never give their name online. My kids use anime characters as their usernames on the Websites they visit. They should know to never talk to someone on the Internet unless they know who they are. Even with these precautions they are still at risk because child predators always seem to be one step ahead. I think limiting their time online will make them less noticeable by Internet predators.

There are also health risks like carpal tunnel syndrome, obesity, lack of exercise, back problems and the risk of ruining their vision. If you limit their time these health risks won't be as bad. Kids need to play outside to get sunshine and grow up healthy. Sitting indoors all day on the Internet or playing video games prevents them from growing as well as they could if they played outside. How many adults complain of health problems like bad vision and carpal tunnel syndrome? We know what causes these problems however we don't protect our children from them.
I let my children have 1/2 hour - 1 hour a day. Their time depends on how much homework they have and the other activities they participated in. I always tell them school is more important than their online activities. I also have to keep an eye on their time because if one gets more time then the other they complain about it not being fair. When they sit down at the computer they ask how much time they get and they set the timer on the microwave. When the timer goes off if they don't get up the other one will be right there to tell them their time is up. I also have the computer where I can see it and watch what they are doing. I refuse to allow my kids to have a computer in their bedroom where I can't watch them. I don't watch over their shoulder but I do monitor them. So let your kids have fun and be kids but remember you are the parent you are ultimately responsible for what they do.

Learn more about this author, Dawn England.
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