Healthy Amount of Internet Use for Children - By: Fletcher Nunez

Healthy Amount of Internet Use

The internet has so much to offer. However, since there are endless possibilities of activities online, parents are ever more concerned that kids are spending too much time on the internet. To be more specific about what children can perform on a computer the internet offers: games, social networking, instant messaging, and blogs. Although kids are able to learn and connect through the web, they are not able to get real world activities. Here are some indicators that your child may be getting too much world wide web use:

1. Losing track of time while on the web
2. Playing online rather than going to bed
3. Becomes angry if internet use is cut off
4. Constantly checks inbox
5. Becomes agitated if not allowed to use the web
6. Would rather go on the internet than see friends
7. Lies about time spent online
8. Sneaks online so nobody knows that they are online
9. Forms more relationships with peers online than in the real world
10. Consumed with thinking about the internet when they may not be online
11. Loses a fixation with physical activities
12. Becomes angry when not online

Setting Limits

Internet use is not a bad thing; however, parents may be worried that the quality of time they are online may be affecting them socially. This is not an easy problem to address because nowadays there are actually so many ways for kids access the internet. Internet can be accessed on phones, iPad/tablets, and gaming consoles. Forbidding kids from going online may not be as effective as thought. Here are a few methods for maintaining a healthy amount of internet use:

1. Set limits for time spent online and stay with it
2. Make sure web sites kids are using are safe and age appropriate
3. Keep the computer within a central area rather than putting it within their room
4. Ask kids what they are up to online
5. Use websites that spark their imagination and creativity
6. Make certain kid understands the change between internet fantasy from reality

Kids Social Network

One of the largest concerns with children and internet use is not just internet addiction but web safety. Kids Social Network Sites are very popular for children to make friends and connect with other kids their age. However, many social networking sites for kids have been the target for online predators. Parents need to be engaged if their kids are utilizing social networks to make sure they are safe. These are a few conversations that parents really need with their kids before each goes online:

1. Be careful what you post online
2. Do not post suggestive pictures and also videos
3. Do not divulge where you reside or where you are going that day
4. Be respectful and try to keep from cyber bullying
5. Do not talk to people you do not know
6. Do not get together with strangers you connect with online.

These are just a few steps that parents can take if they have any kind of concerns about their children. Kids are different so there is absolutely no set of instruction to get them to safe while on the net. In the end it is up to the parent to decide if they kids are recieving a healthy amount of internet use.

About the Author

Kids Social Network is a social networking site for kids and tweens. This kid safe website has a lock down browser to ensure safe browsing for children. Kids can enjoy learning math, science, reading, and writing from our online library. They can take a break from their studies by playing a variety of free online games and chat with friends in the online chat room.

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