How Can I Limit Computer Use?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2007
How Can I Limit Computer Use?
6
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 10:26am

My 13yo DD is becoming obsessed with the computer. I know she isn't doing anything "wrong" like visiting chat rooms, but she is on it for hours and hours at a time. She IMs with her friends and plays games.


How much time should I allow?


How much is too much?


How do I get her off the computer? I always get "hold on", "almost done", "just a few minutes", "okay", but I have to keep telling her before she finally does.


What do 13 year olds do? After homework, chores, and sports, it seems the only thing left is the computer and tv. What has this world come to?


Avatar for suzyk2118
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-30-1997
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 10:43am
Only provide the keyboard (otherwise remove) the amount of time you permit?
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-24-2005
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 11:25am
I think I used to tell them 2 hours talking or typing was enough. Homework, school work doesn't count as long as they aren't cheating with im's, etc while doing hw.
My kids are all pretty much used to it now, so I don't typically have to tell them to find something else to do.
Most wireless routers (and I get wired too?) have setting that can limit when or how the internet is used.
Good luck!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2005
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 11:29am

My 13 year old son is not allowed to use the computer for IM. He may do email with friends out of state, but we encourage him to actually get together with friends here in town. Computer use is allowed by request only for non-school related activites. We do not allow gaming and we limit the time to one hour per day in total.

There is so much more to life than a computer screen.

stacy

Avatar for weberdns0
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-25-2000
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 11:46am
We have a timer at the computer.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-06-2006
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 1:16pm

Wowie. My 13yo DS sounds just like this and I feel your concerns. Personally, he is 'plugged' in waaaaay too much, but I've allowed it because we don't live in a very friendly neighborhood, his older sister (whom he is very close with) is not home more than she is home and between his schedule and those of his friends there isn't a lot of flexibility to just get together and hang out. My DS does have a lot of friends from school and he does have one or more over often and regularly, but he still has too much time to plug in.

But that's all gonna change soon! We are moving out of state at the end of this month and while he will be allowed computer time for IM, e-mail, etc., I am going to seriously cut back on his on-line time!

Like someone said, remove the keyboard and/or mouse. That's what I plan on doing.

Good luck to you!

 

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-14-2006
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 8:20pm

Not sure why you can't just say - "turn the computer off". A couple of years ago, I told my DD that I have internet access at work, if she abuses it at home, we'll just disconnect it. That worked.

But, honestly, >>> After homework, chores, and sports, it seems the only thing left is the computer and tv.<<<< How about reading, talking to parents, other hobbies? My DD seems more busy than not. By the time she gets to the TV or computer, there's not alot of time to fool around. If her grades are good, I don't mind the computer time.

In the summer, she vegges out more - but during the school year she keeps herself busy.