Safe Surfing

Protecting Your Family

Essential Protection > Addiction

Everyone knows that alcohol and drugs are addictive. But did you know your kids - or even you - can get addicted to the Internet?

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Turkey , Chub and Beverley are having a barbecue in Chub's Garden. Chub is worried about his son Chad - he seems to be addicted to the Internet. Chub no longer sets a time limit for how long his kids are online, so now Chad is on all day ? and he's still at the computer when Chub and Beverley go to bed. Beverley is concerned about the type of people who will also be online at night. Chub agrees. He also doesn't want his son seeing pornographic images ? even Chub has been shocked at the images you can get online. They decide that the best way to break Chad 's Internet addiction is to get him out of the house for other activities ? and for Chub to set a good example.

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Here are some useful guidelines on making sure your kids don't become addicted:

• Set time limits and guidelines about homework and the use of chat rooms.
• Create clear rules with teenagers about online pornography.
• Spot check.
• Encourage your children to do other things.
• Involve yourself.
• Put the computer in the living room so you can see what's going on.
• Don't be an Internet addict yourself.