I read an article in Time Magazine about children becoming addicted to the internet in China. The article said that people are addicted to the internet if they spend six consecutive hours a day for three straight months on the internet. The article begins with a story of a mom whose 12 year old son beat and bit her when she tried to get him off the computer. She sent her son to a special boot camp to lose his internet addiction.
It made me wonder about our own children. I am certainly not suggesting that we send children to boot camp. I am suggesting that children do need to be monitored so that they spend less time in non-verbal communication situations. This includes not only the internet, but television, and cell phones. I believe that that there are some children who spend 6 hours a day, maybe not consecutive hours, but nonetheless, 6 hours on cell phones, the internet, or watching television. I want to know your opinion. Do you think that children are getting addicted to these things? Go to www.atiseminars.org and make your voice heard about this important issue on our new survey.
People who are addicted to alcohol and/or drugs, over time, verbally communicate less and less with those that are important to them. Their number one priority in life, even though they may deny it, is their substance of choice. They lose family, friends, and even jobs.
It’s so easy to get “addicted” to any of the mass media items. To counter this, there needs to be fun communication get-togethers. Encourage children to do things outdoors and to get involved in extracurricular activities that catch their attention. Television, the internet, and cell phones are not going away, but their use can be minimized when children learn that it’s fun to do other things too.
Have a great day.
Maryln
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
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5 comments:
I am the co-owner of a small daycare center in northern Maine. When I read your article blog I kept shaking my head in agreement the whole time. I think that parents rely on T.V., computers, cell phones, gameboys, and game consoles way too much to keep their children busy. Some parents buy their children every thing going just to keep them happy. We all know that how you keep a child happy is to spend quality family time together talking and experiencing life. I think the internet as well as all the items I listed are addicting especially for young children. They are learning to depend on machines as a life line. What happens when the power goes out??? These children should be going outside to play or having family time instead of the parents always allowing them to be entertained by all of this technology.
I fully agree that children spend far too much time involved with electronic devises. I see to often adults who have no time or are half way distracted with their own phones, tv, & computers, i believe alot of children are following what they know. Instead of having "people" time and being taught the correct uses and times for these "vices", children seem to be expected to learn as they grow. These are all difficult situations to fix, yet until we as individuals take the first step, we can never walk down the path.
I too (or three) agree that the children as young as 3 are becoming "addicted" to technology. It amazes me to hear the children as young as 3 talk comparitively about their gaming toys, including the wii. I know the wii is meant for exercise and hopefully is inclusing the whole family, but still these kids are into it because they get beat someone - be the winner and make someone the loser. They actually get off on making someone the loser - which i don't get. What is happening to the economy did bring back the board game fun at Christmas, but i think parents are too self involved to make that last. It means spending more real time with the kids and not just letting the technology "babysit" the kids. Life is tough. Parenting is tough. Put God first, family 2nd, work (for kids school) third and all else falls into place.
I am the Supervisor of an Aterschool Childcare Program grades K-4. While I totally agree with this 'addiction' statement (having children of my own), I also believe children are 'addicted' to 'Excitment'. Probably why they get "hooked" to these areas in the first place. Children especially boys in my program need that 'hype'& action. definately more outside play and parent interest & interaction need to be applied, in my eyes!
Hi all,
Your comments are so great that I decided to write another thought about this issue next week. What great insights from you all!!!
Thanks so much.
Maryln
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