How to Deal with an Internet-Addicted Teen

15 Jan 2012 No Comments

by Adminin blog

Image by hdzimmermann via Flickr

If you think your teen spends too much time on the Internet, you’re not alone. Millions of parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend online, and the problem only seems to be growing. Use of the Internet is an incredibly central part of teen culture. Teens connect with their friends through social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, and they can spend hours engrossed in these forms of digital communication. Social bookmarking sites like Reddit and StumbleUpon provide infinite ways to waste time with funny or interesting links. There is no end to the things teens can find to do on the Internet, and unfortunately they don’t always use the computer responsibly. If you fear that your teen is overusing the computer, it’s your job as a parent to step in a try to bring them back to the real world. Here are some tips for how to deal with an Internet-addicted teen.

Be Understanding

As a parent, you need to understand where your teen is coming from. The Internet is a huge part of society now, and it’s going to be a part of your teen’s life now and forever. It’s important to have a realistic standpoint. It’s unrealistic to expect your teen to stop all Internet usage. That will only bring resentment and anger. Your teen should learn how to use the Internet is moderation and with responsibility, not cut it out altogether.

Discuss

You should try to talk with your teen about your concerns. Try to open up the dialogue about Internet usage, and find out why your teen thinks it’s so important. Do they see any potential harm in being on the computer so often? Allow them to express their opinions. Non-judgmental communication is essential. It will help you connect with your teen and develop a better relationship.

Set Boundaries

As long as your teen is a minor and living in your house, you can set rules for them. Limit Internet use to a certain number of hours or to certain hours of the day. You could restrict Internet access until homework is completed, or whatever boundaries you think are appropriate. You may also require that your teen uses the computer only in public spaces, not in their bedroom. If house rules are not met, cut off Internet access until they are. However, be flexible. If your teen wants to go on the Internet, they will find a way through school or with their friends. You don’t want to alienate them by being too strict.

Encourage

If you’d like to see your teen doing more things off of the computer, encourage them to. Try to get your teen involved in a hobby or sport they enjoy, or encourage them to take part in family activities or volunteering. Your teen should have plenty of opportunities to choose activities other than going online. If they use the Internet to socialize, encourage them to invite their friends over or out to dinner. If they have lots of alternatives, they may begin to spend less time on the computer.

Lisa Hann is a family-oriented blogger with many years of experience writing for various national blogs. Lisa enhances the quality of her written work using Grammarly grammar checker, the most accurate and well-designed grammar tool on the web.