A Center for Internet Addiction – Are Solutions Like This Too Extreme?

In the summer of 2009, a center for Internet addiction opened in Washington that provided addicts a comfortable atmosphere for breaking Interned addiction, including treatments similar to those provided at rehab clinics for other types of addicts. But if your child simply likes going online a bit too much and you are concerned about this issue, does the existence of a solution such as this make you worry?

The first step is determining the extent of a potential problem. Your child may simply need a better system for managing their time spent surfing the Web, not something as extreme as an Internet addiction center or Internet addiction group. However, here are some red flags you can look for to alert you that your child might have an issue:

• Arguments at home over Internet usage time

• A loss of interest in friends and other activities

• Weight gain and possible obesity due to inactivity while on the computer

• Mood swings

• Trouble in school, falling grades, missed assignments

• And more

As a rule of thumb, you should always consult your family doctor if you are worried about Internet addiction and the potential health risks it can pose to a young, developing child. However, if you are also looking to take matters into your own hands and create a healthy, effective system for managing and monitoring your child's screen time on the Internet, rather than shipping them off to a center for Internet addiction, check out the Mikko Que. Our innovative device lets you manage your children's screen time on not only the Internet, but also the TV, video games, and more. With the Mikko Que you can reduce the use of electronic devices by decreasing your child's time allowance over a period of time.  For example, in a given month you might allow your child 10 hours a day of use. Then, you can reduce usage to eight hours a day the next month and so on until your child's media consumption is more in line with recommended standards. This technique is less obtrusive and will result in less resistance.  It will also give parents the peace of mind that during sleeping hours their children are not up watching TV, playing video games, or surfing the Internet.

To learn more about the Que and how it can help you teach your children responsible media consumption habits, contact us today.

Media Management for Children … It’s time.