Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Limit your time at the computer
• Method 2 of 4: Discuss the purpose of using the computer
• Method 3 of 4: Find Alternative Activities
• Method 4 of 4: Pay attention to the symptoms of computer addiction
• Warnings

While computers are very useful and convenient devices, they are often addictive. Nowadays, many children spend too much time at the computer. If this problem affects your child, it is likely that it is upsetting for you as a parent. Computer addiction is so strong that it has been compared to drug addiction, and excessive computer use can lead to serious problems in the future. Help your child overcome computer addiction by setting a limit on spending time at the computer, talk to your child and together find an alternative activity that will pique his interest.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Limit your time at the computer

1. 1 Set a password on your computer that only you know. The child will have to ask your permission to turn on the computer and spend time at it. This method is especially good if the child is still young and does not need a computer for homework. But for older children, this method is also useful, especially if the child has a strong computer addiction.
   • If you are not at home, you can simply change the password on the computer every day and send it to your child (for example, by SMS) when he can spend time at the computer.
2. 2 Install parental control software on your computer. You may be concerned about the fact that your child may be sitting at the computer while you are not at home. However, you can install a parental control program (or mode) on your computer, thereby limiting access to websites. You can set these options on your router, Windows settings, or a website (such as Norton).
3. 3 Allow your child to sit at the computer only after he finishes the rest of the business. Teach your child to prioritize by asking him to do homework and chores before sitting down at the computer. Make a checklist of all the responsibilities and tasks your child has to do each day, and hang the list on the refrigerator. Teach your child to treat computer time as a privilege, not a right.
   • In addition, you can organize some kind of activity - a family evening or some interesting family game - that you need to do before you sit down at the computer.
   • Tell your child to complete the list of tasks before playing the computer. When you get home from work, check to see if your child has followed all of your errands. If the tasks from the list are not completed, come up with some small punishment.
   • It is important to agree with all relatives (including the second parent or guardian) about these rules, as well as discuss the system of rewards and punishments for the child.
4. 4 Try creating zones without a computer. Allow your child to use the computer only in shared rooms (for example, in the break room or living room). Do not allow your child to sit at the computer in their room or during dinner, or when the family is spending time together.
   • If possible, arrange for your child to have one computer for homework (if necessary) and a second for relaxation and play. This way, you can be sure that the child is not cheating on you and is actually doing his homework. All gaming sites, social networks and so on must be blocked on the "working" computer.
   • If you are worried about your child using the laptop in their room when you are not at home, take or hide the charger or battery and give it to the child only when you get home.
5. 5 Set a limit on the use of your computer. Limit spending time at the computer by setting a limit of no more than two hours a day (if the child is over two years old). Children under two years old should not spend a lot of time in front of a computer or TV monitor. This rule may apply if the child spends time at the computer for non-educational purposes. Set a timer to let your child know how much more time he can play with the computer.
   • At first, you can try to warn the child 15 minutes in advance, announcing that time is gradually coming to an end.

Method 2 of 4: Discuss the purpose of using the computer

1. 1 Talk to your child about excessive computer use. Try to understand why the child spends so much time at the computer. Sometimes the computer serves as a kind of “other reality” for the child, especially if the child is being bullied or has problems at school. If the child is faced with problems that cause the desire to plunge into "another reality", try to communicate with him, discuss these problems, if necessary, help the child, give him advice.
   • Listen to your child without interrupting. Perhaps there is something he would like to share with you, so take the conversation seriously, be kind and considerate.
   • Often, children are unaware of when they begin to behave in an escape-avoidance pattern. You may need to give your child an idea to get him to think about it, and also talk to your child about this topic.
2. 2 Consider a reward / punishment system. After talking with your child and assessing what is happening to him, formulate the basic rules for using the computer. Tell your child that there are restrictions, that the child can sit at the computer for two hours a day (outside of educational purposes), and if the child does not follow these rules, there will be consequences (punishment).
   • For example, if you catch a child using the computer for longer than the allowed time, restrict access to the computer for one day. Have your child do their homework by looking for information in textbooks and additional literature.
3. 3 Keep your promises. When a child breaks the rules, punishment must follow. Delaying the penalty will result in a second violation of the rule. If your child sits at the computer for too long or uses it for non-educational purposes, limit access to the computer for the day. If you catch a child violating this rule again, restrict access to the computer for two days.
   • If the child thinks that you will not punish him for bad behavior, he will not think about the consequences and will break the established rules, losing respect for you.
4. 4 Be a good role model. Do not spend a lot of time at the computer in front of your child. Otherwise, the child will feel offended if he sees that you yourself are doing what you forbid him to do. Instead, give your child time and attention when you are with him and spend more time together.

Method 3 of 4: Find Alternative Activities

1. 1 Offer your child alternative activities. Play board games with him, go to the library or visit friends to chat. If your child has become addicted to a computer, prepare for a difficult time (several days or weeks), because the child's brain no longer responds to your calls, and you will have to re-educate him. Even if you offer your child alternative activities, he may simply not respond to them.
   • Allow your child to choose a game for themselves or to share their ideas about what they would like to do.
   • Remember that it is quite normal for a child to feel bored, it is even useful, because it encourages the child to engage in creativity and his own development.
2. 2 Spend time with your family, leaving phones and computers aside. Spend time together every day, and during this time all family members should stop using electronic devices. These include telephones, computers, and televisions. Have a family dinner on a regular basis so you can socialize with your family, relax and have a good laugh.
   • Organize your vacation by eliminating the use of electronic devices on vacation.
3. 3 Enroll your child on a sports team (after school sports club). Ask your child if he or she likes a sport. If the child is very lonely, and the computer replaces his friends, this will be a great way to organize communication with other children. Let the child choose the kind of sport that he would like to practice, it is not worth deciding for him.
   • There are alternative options, for example, you can enroll your child in a music club or motivate him to participate in other extracurricular activities.
4. 4 Encourage your child to join a hobby club or hobby group. Find out what activities and activities are taking place at your child's school. Thus, the child will be able to communicate with other children, as well as develop their skills and find new hobbies.
   • You could say, “So, you said that you have an art circle at your school, and I know that on the Internet you often look at different art works. Do you want to go to these classes too? I can record and drive you. "
5. 5 If necessary, seek help from a specialist. If the child cannot overcome his addiction or reacts to your rules, suggestions and conversations very aggressively or too emotionally, seek help from a psychologist. There are many psychologists and psychotherapists who specialize in helping people with addiction. Find psychologists or psychotherapists in your area.

Method 4 of 4: Pay attention to the symptoms of computer addiction

1. 1 Pay attention to the child's solitary behavior. Computer addiction leads to the fact that the child begins to avoid friends and family. Pay attention to your child's privacy and the amount of time they spend at the computer. If a child rarely communicates with peers and refuses an invitation to take a walk and go somewhere in order to stay at home at the computer, most likely he has a computer addiction.
2. 2 Pay attention to how the child copes with their responsibilities. If a child does not do homework and housework, but spends all his free time at the computer, he may have a computer addiction. Of course, almost all children prefer to play with the computer instead of washing the dishes, but it is worth paying attention to this problem when the child completely stops doing his chores and homework just to sit at the computer longer.
3. 3 Consider whether your child's sleeping habits have affected their sleep. Some children go to bed very late because they sit at the computer until nightfall. Check if your child is playing at the computer at a time when he already needs to go to bed. If a child often sits at the computer until nightfall and neglects his regime, most likely he has a computer addiction.
4. 4 Pay attention to how much time your child spends at the computer. Observe the time spent at the computer, as well as how many times a day the child uses the computer. Children should not spend more than two hours a day on electronics (computers, tablets, TV). If a child spends too much time on the computer, television, and so on, especially in one sitting, he may develop computer addiction.

Warnings

• The child may react aggressively to your attempts to restrict computer use - be prepared to deal with the child's tantrum.
• Do not allow your child to replace spending time at the computer with watching TV or video games, otherwise he may become addicted to these types of entertainment.