Computer and internet have become an integral part of our lives. With computers, tablets and smart phones, it is possible to access the internet anytime, anywhere. The Internet has made access to information and communication much easier. It can be used for many purposes, from shopping to entertainment. It has become one of the most important tools used for socializing.
Computer and internet use, together with the conveniences and opportunities it offers, can create problems when not used properly. Excessive and uncontrolled use of the Internet can adversely affect the school success of children and young people, their friendship and family relationships, and can turn into an addiction.
Spending time in front of the screen for a long time can increase attention and concentration difficulties in children. They start to think about the games or sites they follow at school and while studying, and their course success decreases.
The virtual friends they make reduce their need to make real friendships and their socialization is negatively affected.
Since the self-control of children and teenagers is still in development, they have difficulty in setting limits on computer use and may spend a lot of time on the computer. In this case, it is up to the parents to set a time limit in accordance with the age of the child.
If your child uses the internet excessively and for a long time and cannot prevent the desire to use it, if he/she feels empty when he/she is not on the internet and if he/she is irritable and aggressive when he/she is away from the internet, if his/her school life, class success and friendship relations are disrupted due to internet use, he/she may suffer from internet addiction. can be mentioned.
What can you do if you think your child uses the internet excessively or may have internet addiction?
Improve your relationship with your child and spend more time with him. Establishing a healthy relationship and spending quality time is one of the best measures you can take.
Set an example for your child. If you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, the advice you give may not be effective.
Direct him to social and sporting activities that he may be interested in. In this way, you will enable him to spend his spare time more healthily.
It is important to monitor the time your child spends on the computer. Having the computer in the common area of the house, such as the living room, not in the child’s room will allow you to do this more easily.
Limit the use of computers. Seeking the opinions of children and young people while determining the time and making decisions together will increase your child’s adaptation.
If you are having problems complying with the times you have set, you can benefit from programs related to time or content restriction.
