Many parents, guardians, and caregivers are unaware that their children can be addicted to the internet. Once you observe that your kids are spending several hours on the internet without doing anything productive, addiction might be in play.
In addition, if you notice that your child acts unacceptably anytime they are not granted access to the internet, they might be addicted.
Here are some ways to control internet usage in kids to prevent addiction
- Create a routine for them
You can checkmate your child’s internet use when they are working with a routine. It is important to make them understand that they need to be equally invested in other aspects of their lives apart from the internet.
Hence, they should have a limit to the time they spend surfing the online world. When they have tests, assignments, and other serious academic activities, their internet time should take a heavy cut.
- Monitor your child’s internet use
Even though children don’t like to be monitored, they should be made to understand that it is for their good. Many children are exposed to content that affects their minds negatively.
If they are continually exposed, it contributes to the kind of person they would grow up to be. As parents and caregivers, you have to be fully involved in your child’s internet activities.
- Suggest productive online activities
Even though your kids have some favorite activities on the internet, you need to engage them in things that would make them better individuals.
For instance, you can enroll your kid in an online academy where they learn important life skills like cooking, playing a musical instrument, learning how to draw or sing, etc.
Some of these skills would be far more beneficial than wasting their time on the internet on other unprofitable activities.
Reducing screen time should be a priority in your home. Initially, your kids might not be comfortable with your rigid decisions about their screen time, but they will come to understand your reasons in the future.