Computer-Obsessed
Teens: The Dangers
When does a teenager's use of computers and the internet stop being
fun, and start being cause for concern?
It's
a good idea to check out what he is doing, so ask him. It's just possible
that it is something highly educational!...
Is
it unsuitable for my teen?
Unfortunately, there is a lot of unsuitable material on the Internet.
If you don't want your teen learning how to make a bomb or viewing pornography,
do not allow totally unsupervised access to the Internet. Buy software
to screen offensive material and make sure he understands basic rules
for chat rooms.
'We
don't talk much any more...'
With teenagers, it's often a case of taking advantage of the occasions
when you are all together. Between school and peer group, there is often
little room left for the family. Make room; try to make sure that you
eat together as a family. Don't let him rush his food in silence; encourage
him to chat.
Is
schoolwork suffering?
If you think he is neglecting his schoolwork because he spends too much
time on his computer, talk to him about it. Get him to agree how much
time his homework should take - most schools give guidelines on this and
get a commitment not to rush his homework just so that he can access the
computer.
As always with teenagers, the most effective
way to get agreement is by discussion where both sides listen and give
their viewpoint. Avoid bossing, lecturing.
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