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The Causes of Internet Addiction Although the causes of Internet addiction differ depending on the teen in question, experts at Stone Mountain School, a private boarding school for boys in North Carolina, have observed the following common precursors to Internet addiction: Low self-esteem Poor self-image Lack of achievements Feeling undervalued A feeling of lack of control over one’s life A feeling of being trapped Lack of a structured environment Stress and real-world problems Difficulty making and sustaining relationships Strained home environment Lack of community or friends Difficulty regulating persistent negative emotions Lack of a stimulating learning environment Lack of opportunities for mastery Lack of opportunities for exploration Lack of opportunity to play

Although the causes of Internet addiction differ depending on the teen in question, experts at Stone Mountain School, a private boarding school for boys in North Carolina, have observed the following common precursors to Internet addiction: Low self-esteem Poor self-image Lack of achievements Feeling undervalued A feeling of lack of control over one’s life A feeling of being trapped Lack of a structured environment Stress and real-world problems Difficulty making and sustaining relationships Strained home environment Lack of community or friends Difficulty regulating persistent negative emotions Lack of a stimulating learning environment Lack of opportunities for mastery Lack of opportunities for exploration Lack of opportunity to play Warning Signs of Internet Addiction Computers are going to remain a central part of American life, so it is essential for parents to learn ways to monitor their child’s computer use and detect the symptoms of Internet addiction. The experts at Stone Mountain School advise parents to watch for the following signs of Internet addiction: Preoccupation with the Internet Change in eating habits, sleep patterns or school performance Physical ailments such as numbness in the hands, eye strain, weight gain or loss, and headaches, back aches or neck aches Neglecting personal hygiene Missing school or work to surf the Web Refusing to do chores or fulfill other responsibilities because of Internet time Using the Internet longer than allowed or desired An inability to cut back on Internet use Giving up previously enjoyable activities in order to spend more time on the Internet Neglecting friends and family in favor of spending time on the computer Defensiveness or efforts to hide or lie about Internet use Becoming irritable when unable to use the Internet Isolating oneself socially or viewing the Internet as an escape Like other forms of addiction, Internet addicts experience difficulty quitting, tolerance (craving more and more screen time) and withdrawal (irritability, anxiety and boredom) when not using the Internet.

Warning Signs of Internet Addiction Computers are going to remain a central part of American life, so it is essential for parents to learn ways to monitor their child’s computer use and detect the symptoms of Internet addiction. The experts at Stone Mountain School advise parents to watch for the following signs of Internet addiction: Preoccupation with the Internet Change in eating habits, sleep patterns or school performance Physical ailments such as numbness in the hands, eye strain, weight gain or loss, and headaches, back aches or neck aches Neglecting personal hygiene Missing school or work to surf the Web Refusing to do chores or fulfill other responsibilities because of Internet time Using the Internet longer than allowed or desired An inability to cut back on Internet use Giving up previously enjoyable activities in order to spend more time on the Internet Neglecting friends and family in favor of spending time on the computer Defensiveness or efforts to hide or lie about Internet use Becoming irritable when unable to use the Internet Isolating oneself socially or viewing the Internet as an escape Like other forms of addiction, Internet addicts experience difficulty quitting, tolerance (craving more and more screen time) and withdrawal (irritability, anxiety and boredom) when not using the Internet.

When your job involves using the World Wide Web and other computer software for most part of the day, you might start to feel some pain in your joints and muscles. These are usually brought about by unhealthy habits when you are surfing the Internet at your work station. To avoid any illnesses brought about by improper practices while using online resources, follow these basic tips. First, observe proper posture when you are sitting in front of your computer. Your buttocks should be at the rear of the seat, your back straight, and your feet planted firmly on the floor. Relax your shoulders, keep your arms near your body, and your wrists should not bend. Second, take good care of your eyesight. To avoid straining your eyes as you surf the Web, make sure they are directly level with the upper portion of your monitor. Also, adjust the brightness or install a filter if the screen light hurts. Third, take regular breaks and exercise. Walk around the block and do some stretching to relax and strengthen your muscles, joints, and tendons. This will also allow you to rest your eyes and hands.

10. Music: Listen to and discover new music. Listen to classical music to help you stay relaxed and focused. Find free music online to listen to. 9. Language: Learn a second language. This can help you when vacationing and it looks great on your resume. You can earn more money in your field if you know another language. 8. Health: Get healthier with diet plans, meal planning and exercise plans. Join an online community with people who have the same health goals as you: lose weight, get in shape, gain muscle, or just stay healthy. Plan your meals. Get healthy recipes. 7. Money: Manage your money. Read articles and newsletters from finance experts. Learn how to stick to a budget. Get discounts and coupons online to help save money. 6. Donate: Find your favorite charities and organizations online and donate your money, time, blood, etc. Many are eligible for tax deductions. Donate to help find a cure for cancer, help fund a Native American school, give aid in natural disasters…There are so many good causes out there. 5. News: Check out the current events around the world. There is more than just bad news out there. There are good people doing great things. 4. Education: Learn something new with an online course. What have you always wanted to learn how to do? You can also find courses online that can help you advance in your career. 3. Photos: Create an online photo album. Keep a photo album online to save space from printed photos. Your pictures will stay fresh. You can print them out when you want to for frames or gifts. You can share them with relatives and friends who live far away. 2. Ancestry: Research your ancestry and create a family tree. Talk to your mom, dad, siblings, and other relatives to get the names of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and more. Map your ancestry online and create something to pass down to your kids. 1. Maps: Use maps to show your kids where they live. Print out maps of places you would like to visit. When you are board take a road trip. Print out some great restaurants nearby and make a day of it.

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That's why it's wise to monitor and limit the time your child spends playing video games, watching TV, and playing games on the Internet.

Preview programs. Make sure you think they're appropriate

before your kids watch them