any ideas on how to keep your teenager off the computer?

Answer 1

Flip the breaker switch that controls the power to the computer outlet. My dad used to do this to me for the TV when I hadn't gotten my chores done. It took me a while to figure out what he did, then I didn't want to undo it because I was afraid of getting zapped at the breaker box.

If you have Windows XP you can create user profiles and put passwords on them. Its under the start menu, then control panel, then user accounts.

Answer 2

I grew up (teens) as the Internet was growing - the best thing my father (single and only me as a teenage daughter) ever did was keep the computer in our living room. We had a large home but he never allowed me to use the computer, essentially, out of his sight.
Even if he were watching a program or reading or working on his computer, if I wanted to be on the Internet, it was within 5 feet of him.
Knowledge is the best weapon - I was great with computers at a relatively young age so my dad took classes top learn how to "beat" my attempts at "hiding" what I was up to. I would think I was deleting traces of the "not-so-good" things I was up to but I soon found out he would always know.
There are a lot of free community programs available to help also depending on where you live. I am in Calgary, Canada and there are courses offered thought he city a couple of times a week.
Contacting a community police officer is a great way to get access to resources and information.
Good luck and all the best.

Answer 3

Blow up the household one, send a note to the people at school saying your teenager isn't allowed to use the computer, do not let them go over to any friends houses by themselves, supervise your teenager at the library to make sure he/she isn't using the computer, and put a camera on your teenager to make sure he/she doesn't break the rules. However, your kid will more than likely hate you for life if you do any of these things and will probably rebel (even more if that's the case) against you making your life even harder. Don't torture your kid like that, just limit the amount of time each day he/she can be on.

Answer 4

A lot of times, through your anti-virus software there is also a program that is made for pretty much this purpose. You can block their access from specific sites, or from using the computer at certain times, and you can even get emails if any of their emails contain profanity and it will tell you who sent it to them. Just a few ideas a friend of mine uses with her teenagers. They don't even mind now, they know that is the rule, take em or leave em. Good luck!

Answer 5

basically I am a teenager and my parents try to keep me off the computer. They put passwords on every username (complicated ones) and if you have a newer computer they changed the account types to computer administrator. If you get that far the only possible way to get on is if you accidently leave yoorself logged on. So dont do that.

Answer 6

Ok, that's an issue. There's good learning and bad learning. There's good seeking and bad seeking. They'll find both on the computer, but while they do it, they'll be learning to communicate, type, spell, computer skills, organize, gather in groups, help each other out in rough times, plan, develop a reputation, be themselves (where at home they can not be), grow up, find out what others are doing, latch on to the proverbial grape vine, and schedule safe nights out with friends.

All that and much, much more which we could make a myspace research project out of. So, let them free to live responsible lives and seek a good life, with a few parenting precautions added in. OK?

Answer 7

Take away their computer. If you have only one that is shared make sure it's in the family room or anywhere where you or another adult can supervise. Put a password on the computer that only you know. Click start, control panel, password, enter one. Make them earn time online buy doing chores, working, excersing, getting good grades. If you don't you are depriving them of knowing the importance of disiplin, setting goals and achiving them, and simply injoying the world around them while they are young. Do something with them too.

Answer 8

Give your teen agers disciplines!Give him a condition he must be grounded or cut off some part of his allowances!You must be strict about his too much exposure to the video games or adult sites(downloads adult porn blockers at downloads.com!Or reduce your video card memory from a computer for video game functions!But he skip from class and stays at cafe,let him grounded and cut off his allowances!Instead, negotiate with the school canteen for his snacks and meals(aside from school bus or his transportation fares) And don't place PC in his room,kitchen or living room,put your PC inside your bedroom!That is the best way some parents did when I was a standby in a cafe!

Answer 9

Try to introduce them to a sport or any outdoor activity.Give them a good books to read and always talk to them the wisdom of technology without being a teacher.
Ask them to go out to do physical activity..positive activity.
There is a lot to be discover in the world than in internet.

Answer 10

Download that software that tracks everything they look at and every site they visit. With big brother looking over their shoulder eliminating the options of going to the racy sites many teens visit, they should lose interest pretty quick.