Internet Chat Addiction

Does your child spend countless hours chatting with friends online? If so, they are like millions of other youths across the country that enjoy the easy-to-use communication options that chat rooms and instant messaging services provide. However, as a parent, are you worried that overuse might be a problem and wonder if your child may have a more serious issue than a simple love of chatting online? Have you begun to get into arguments with your child about when it's time to get off the computer? If so, it may be worthwhile to learn more about Internet chat addiction and the negative consequences it can cause.

Internet addiction and chat addiction are very serious issues with plenty of negative health side effects for those afflicted by them. Much like any addiction, seclusion, a lack of interest in usual activities, tension with family members, and other issues can all arise when overuse of the Internet and chat rooms becomes a problem. However, the American Medical Association – despite finding similarities between the effects of Internet chat addiction and gambling addiction – has yet to label this issue as a true "addiction." That certainly doesn’t diminish the importance of this matter, especially when it comes to young children who are still developing.

What can you do as a parent if you are worried that Internet chat addiction may be a reality with your child? As with any potentially serious health concerns, you should always consult your family doctor for help and information. However, if you are looking for a way to create a healthy, effective system for monitoring and managing your child's screen time on the Internet, as well as the TV, video games, and other devices in the home, the Mikko Que can help. Our innovative product gives you powerful tools and a flexible, easy-to-use way to teach your children responsible media consumption habits.
With the Mikko Que you can reduce the use of electronic devices, and potentially avoid Internet chat addiction, 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 get more information about the Mikko Que and how it can help you stop Internet chat addiction before it starts, contact us today.

Media Management for Children … It’s time.