Tips for dealing with excessive internet use
If parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend online, encourage them to take the following steps:
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Communicate
Talk to their children about what they enjoy doing online and try to understand their interests.
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Set house rules
Work out some boundaries for their children's access to the internet. It is better that children understand what parents expect rather than trying to work it out for themselves. Families can determine some consequences together if the rules are broken.
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Supervise
Make sure they can adequately supervise what their children are doing online, particularly younger children. They can move the computer into a public area of the house to make it easier.
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Introduce other family activities
Ensuring children are exposed to a range of other, non-internet-based activities is a good way to help them lead a balanced lifestyle.
More detailed information for parents is available in the Parent’s section of this website.