ADVICE RATING |
  3.72 (May work) from 19 votes (992 Visits) |
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Teenage Computer Addiction |
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by i2cute4words  (October 2006) (rank 500+) |
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I have a 13yr old step son that as soon as he get home from school jumps straight onto the computer. He is deaf and i have tried to encourage him to find something else to do. He insists that there is nothing for him to do and
still gets on the computer. If i tell him that i need to use the computer for a few minutes before he gets on he gets frustrated and constantly askes how much longer i will be on the computer. How can i encourage him to find another hobby besides the computer? He plays on the computer from the moment that we get home until his mother picks him up around 9pm.
This is a tough one - a lot of families are going through the same problem with their own teenage children (mainly boys though). Does your step son have any siblings or friends? Encourage other activities such as perhaps an after school sport or a community based youth group.
Another way to stop him from using the computer is to sell it and get a cheaper, older one that doesn't play the games he wants to - or cap his internet connection if he uses the internet far too much.
Do you know exactly what he gets up to on the computer? If he's only playing games, you could perhaps ban him from using it one day a week or restrict him to certain times. If he does something constructive like make his own music, graphics etc. then perhaps you can get involved, take an interest in what he's doing.
I have a younger brother who is aiming to get into Architecture at Uni next year so using the computer for educational and further advancement of his skills using a computer is essential, however excessive use can be detrimental to his health. My boyfriend's little brother is a classic example of a boy who doesn't do anything but play on his computer. He plays games only - never anything educational, and has been physically ill because he spends so much time on it. Most computer monitors give off radiation and will strain your eyes if it's not a decent quality one too.
Is his father around when he's playing the computer? If so, maybe you should express your concerns to him and get him to step in and do something about it. Your step son is definitely showing signs of computer addiction though - getting cranky when he can't use it.
There's no easy answer to your problem, but I suspect that discipline or restriction will help a little.
