The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized internet addiction as a serious condition that is difficult to overcome. Children of different ages are the most vulnerable group in the online environment. Their fragile mental state often leads them to become dependent on social media, multiplayer games, and visiting certain websites. As the condition progresses, a child may spend hours browsing various online resources, forgetting to eat or do their homework. When parents try to impose restrictions, they often face aggression. However, such situations can be avoided by taking preventive measures in advance. It is important to learn about the most effective steps and implement them.
Session restrictions
Children start browsing different websites around the age of 5. However, pediatricians believe that introducing children to the internet at such a young age should be avoided as there is a high risk of developing dependency. From the age of 7, schoolchildren can visit online portals, but restrictions should be imposed: the duration of a session should not exceed 30 minutes per day.
At the age of 10, the time spent online can be increased to 1 hour. Teenagers are allowed to spend up to 1.5 hours on the World Wide Web. It becomes more challenging to control a child’s internet usage at the age of 15. However, it is important to adhere to restrictions. It is not advisable for a teenager to spend more than 3 hours a day surfing the internet.
Extended sessions on a PC can have negative effects on eye health, posture, spine, and digestion. It is important to monitor the child to prevent the development of mental and physical ailments.
Enabling “Child Internet” service with the provider
This service allows limiting access to specific websites that can harm a child’s mental well-being. The most dangerous portals fall into the following categories: religious, extremist, gaming, terrorist, pornographic, erotic, etc.
A special filter checks websites on the internet based on multiple parameters. A child will not be able to access portals that are harmful to their mental state. It will be difficult to bypass the restriction using special software. Anonymizers, proxy servers, and platforms that enable downloading programs to bypass the control system will be automatically blocked.
The cost of the “Child Internet” service may vary among providers, but overall it is affordable. Every family can afford to have it. By spending a small amount, you can give your child a happy childhood without shocks and dependencies.
Installation of special software
The WHO has repeatedly drawn attention to the problem of internet addiction and the emergence of various mental disorders due to unlimited website visits. Many software developers have created special programs. After installing them on a PC or mobile phone, filters are suggested, and certain resources can be added to a blacklist.
During the software installation, special algorithms gradually check websites and subsequently provide access only to those that are maximally safe for children. Settings can be changed with a password. If the password is kept secure, the child will not be able to modify the settings and freely access prohibited resources.
VPNs, anonymizers, and proxy services will be automatically restricted upon activating the software. The child will not be able to use them to bypass the blocks. By regularly reviewing the list of installed programs, it is possible to protect children from dangerous platforms.
There are numerous programs available online that allow setting restrictions on internet usage. You can try using free utilities and software. If they are not able to fulfill the assigned tasks, it is worth considering installing paid software.
The cost of such programs varies and can range from 200 to 300 euros. Payment can be easily made through credit cards or prepaid vouchers. It is important to note that the software may have a beta version. It is recommended to install the software and observe its performance for 2 to.
Regular Conversations
Parents play an important role in a child’s life and serve as authority figures. To protect children from the harmful influence of negative information on the internet, it is recommended to have gentle conversations from an early age. In this case, arguments and quarrels undermine the authority of the adult, causing teenagers to defy the advice of their elders.
It is recommended to give children advice on using websites from an early age. It is important for them to remember that not all information published online is reliable. They should not trust websites that guarantee unrealistic income without any investment or visit dubious resources. Certain platforms can draw a child into a cult and eventually lead to suicide.
It is worth explaining to the child the importance of taking precautions. It is important for children to understand that not all websites are safe and that sharing personal information or photos can lead to negative consequences. It is necessary to hide credit cards from younger family members or enable two-factor authentication and receive SMS notifications for transactions, otherwise, one will have to deal with significant expenses in online stores and fraudulent account top-ups.
Setting a personal example
Many parents complain to psychologists and on forums that their children don’t listen to them. They actively visit websites that harm their mental well-being, negatively affect their behavior, and lead to a decline in academic performance. In such situations, the older family members are often to blame.
Many adults are glued to their smartphones, spending all their free time surfing the internet, visiting online bg casino, social media platforms, and news websites. The child finds this situation unfair. They also want to spend time online, browsing different websites.
In this situation, it is important to put aside laptops and smartphones and try to spend time with the children. Topping up an account in Palms Bet Cashterminal or making an online purchase can be done later. It’s better to do it when the child is asleep. This approach will build trust within the family. Moreover, parents will set a good example. Schoolchildren and teenagers will not create conflicts and demand more time for internet surfing.