Computer usage

Q: I think my 10-year-old son spends too much time on the computer and Internet. He never wants to go out and play with his friends. Whenever we go anywhere, it is so hard to get him off the computer and as soon as we return, he is right back on it. Should I be concerned?

A: Playing and working on the computer will give your child valuable skills. We used to answer questions like this, but concerning excessive television viewing. As with any activity, though, he should be getting some guidance from you. What is he doing on the computer? The computer offers a wide range of activities to stimulate the mind. Access to the Internet offers a world of knowledge and fun activities. It also offers inappropriate areas of pornography that should be avoided and blocked by parents. Another popular area of interest to adolescents is chat rooms where they can talk to other people all over the world. This, too, should be approached cautiously. Not everyone in a chat room is what they appear. We hear in the news about youths being lured into dangerous situations. Aside from the positive (and negative) aspects of using the computer, there are other considerations for a boy your son's age. If he is indeed absorbed by the computer to the extent you say, you need to step in. Your son needs to acquire the socialization skills that come from playing with his peers. He also needs to get some exercise. Sit down with your son and work out a schedule limiting his time on the computer. Don't just impose a schedule on him. Let him offer input into creating the schedule. He will feel better about following it if it includes his participation.

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