“Growing Online Addiction Among Teenagers” Your view.?

Answer 1

My kids belong to a school that issues out lap-top computers to the kids. I know that they are good because they don't have to carry as many books home, being that they read their texts on-line, and even complete homework that way.

I was pretty green about this at the beginning of the school year. I marveled at the their intense stares at their computers and I never had to tell them to hop to their homework after school. I began worrying that they were doing "too much homework" so I went over and looked over one of my daughter's shoulders and saw a music video on her screen, and I looked over at my other daughter and saw Rune Scape. I blew my stack, and asked how long they had been doing this, and had they finished their homework?? Of course NOW I have to check every twenty minutes to see what the "intensity" is about.

My oldest daughter had the worst time with the addiction. She actually cried, and said, "Mom, please help---it's like I can't stop!" She WANTS to make good grades, but the allure of the "other" sites was too much for her to cope with. I told her I would help by keeping an eye on her (which she was relieved about). I told her simply that the Internet is a GOOD thing, if used properly, and that there was no WAY around having to use it for her schoolwork. I told her that she was going to have to care MORE about her grades than goofing off. I just simply couldn't hold her hand 100% of the time, although I could help as much as i could.

Answer 2

I think it's gotten pretty out of hand, though I'm not against their using it. The 'net can be a great learning and even socializing tool (say, for shy kids or those who live out in the sticks). But too much is not good. If they're staying inside ALL the time, not getting enough sleep, or putting themselves at risk by posting too much info (that includes ANY personal stuff, like real name, where they live, school they attend, unless it's to a friend YOU know), then there's a problem.

Periodically monitor your kids' online use. (Configure your internet options security so they can't delete the History, for example). When my kid first started using Myspace, I saw his profile and flipped! He used his real name, town, school, and so forth (he was really naive!). I made him take out any identifying info., and every so often I review it to make sure he's keeping safe (only his friends are allowed to know his real name).

I also keep him up-to-date on computer safety issues like viruses, scams, child-lures, etc. He's gotten much more savvy, but I still limit his time online so he gets proper sleep, does his homework and has time away from the screen, esp. outside.

If you have concerns that someone may be stalking your kid or THEY may be seeking out the wrong people or sites, check out sites like cyberangels.com and safesurf.com. Many sites offer guidelines for parents to help their kids stay safe online.

Answer 3

the news and media like that are always making a huge deal outta stuff that doesn't really matter.
theyre always focusing on like...pot-smokers and myspace being evil and music causing "young people" to have sex...when they should really be focusing more on important issues...like the budget ((which is far gone))
the news likes to make a deal outta of everything that doesnt really matter. they like to make unimportant things seem important. basically, they like to cry over spilt milk.

i think that, sure, teens are speading alot more time online than they were, say, two years ago, but look at how far along we've come in even two years.
people have just stopped using the phone to talk to multiple friends online or to make new friends or to just play games...

most teenagers aren't addicted.
they just enjoy it.

Answer 4

As long as they are not doing HARM to others or themselves, I guess it COULD BE WORSE.
Ofcourse , when I was younger, you could not get me off of my Bicycle, not even for Atari, well okay ATARI was fun, back then in the DARK AGES...
But I think kids/ Youth really need to be outside more and playing, making up new games...using their imaginations.
But then again, my G.F. has two boys.
10 and 14, they are addicted to the computer, and could care less half the time whether the sun is out or not, as they are in on the computer.
Yeah, it sucks.
I try and get them outdoors as much as I can.
As one who loves the outdoors and rockhounding, I think everyone should go experience OUR VANASHING WILDERNESS....Before it is but a MEMORY...
DJH

Answer 5

i use the internet quite a lot, but i also go hiking and mountain climbing and i have quite a vast imagination

Answer 6

online can be very addicting.

Answer 7

LOL