How to Avoid Internet Addiction

Spending hours and hours in front of the computer? Read this and then get off the computer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. # Get a hobby or activity such as sports, music, dance, singing, clubs, teams, committees, etc. Get involved!
2. # Volunteer your time at organizations such as hospitals, animal shelters, food banks, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, etc.
3. # If you go to school, study the lessons you learn whether there is a test tomorrow or not.
4. # Exercise! Nothing better than getting fit!
5. # Limit your time on the computer
6. # Keep up with the local events in your community. There may be talks, film screenings, concerts and book signings etc. that are of interest to you.
7. # Hang out with your friends, the non-Internet ones, in non-Internet places such as coffee shops, record stores etc. You could even do an activity together like roller skating, ice skating, pottery painting or bowling.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your family members after you about being on the Internet too long.
• Turn your computer off so it won't be tempting. Close the lid if you are using a laptop.
• Exercise at your computer.
• Make a list of reasons why it's better off the computer.
• Try to stay off websites that are addictive such as FaceBook, MySpace, Xanga, and MyYearbook. Photobucket counts too. If you have problems getting off of these sites, just have someone else block these sites using your built in Content Advisor or if you are using Windows Vista, use the parental controls to control internet acess and time on computer.
• Try using the computer at the library. You won't be as tempted to look at certain websites (such as porn, MySpace, etc.) and they do have a limit on how long you can stay online. Also, the library is a good place to get some good books and magazines to read, so you won't be as tempted to be on the Internet at home.
• When you are younger than 14, limit your time on the Internet to about 2 hours per day. You are pretty much too young to be on most sites under 9th grade, especially MySpace.
• You may still need the computer for school/work or for a college project. That's fine, just don't overdo it.
• Try not to look at too much pornography; it's not so healthy and it may ruin your mind. Site such as YouTube and MySpace might get you hooked onto porn at a very young age.
• After about 15 mins on the computer, get up and stretch to prevent eye and muscle fatigue. Long periods of time with your hands at a keyboard or mouse can cause carpal tunnel syndrome and other serious disorders.