The pace that society moves in this techno-gadget new world order is amazing! Young people are experts at multitasking – homework, talking with friends and surfing the net while sending a text is common in a young person’s bedroom!

People are becoming techno junkies – they are afraid to be away from their computer for too long.

The brain processes of individuals needing to always be connected are similar to those addicted to drugs. Sometimes it seems that there is no escape!

What can parents and teachers do if they suspect a young person is addicted?

Key Ideas:

• Explain to the individual the problems associated with addiction (i.e. Social withdrawal, bright lights at night may affect sleep, importance of reducing number of hours “Plugged in” etc ).
• Individual must recognise there is a problem – if any progress is to be made.
• Limit technology use – where possible. However, withdrawal may result in increased levels of anxiety.
• Suggest an alternative to technology use, such as talking with friends face to face, doing some exercise or reading a “paper” book.

Useful Information:

• Kids and Tech: How much is too much?
• Personal Tech Addiction Snares Teens, Adults
• Teenagers at Risk of Internet addiction
• The rise of Technology addiction
• How to Tell If You Are Addicted to Technology

Enjoy your computer!

MySpace and FaceBook are the most well known social networking sites available to young people.  A fourteen year old girl once told me that she spent over 5 hours one night working on her MySpace profile. She was updating her profile and sending messages to her friends. When I asked how much time she spent on home work, she replied, “none!”

Young people need a few guidelines when it comes to internet usage. Internet and technology addiction in young people is increasing.

Education is the key to helping young people understand how to use technology safely and effectively; to their benefit, rather than to their detriment!

MySpace guidelines

1. Respect – yourself and your friends.
2. Privacy – in most cases profiles should be private.
3. Photos – just remember that every photo you put up can be downloaded and saved. Use low resolution in your images. Ask yourself – how will I feel in a few years time if people saw this photo?
4. Content – you don’t have to write for your Grandma to read, but be mindful that anything you put online can be captured (i.e. with a screen shot) and saved to use months or even years later!  Don’t misuse other people’s content. It’s simply not nice to take a picture of one of your friends and add a “funny” caption to it. This can easily be misinterpreted and hurtful.
5. Time Limit – in most cases, it is best to set a time limit on how much time you spend on My Space. Maybe do your homework before you go online?
6. Friend access – it is great to have lots of online friends, but be careful who you add as a friend. Not everyone online is who they appear to be! It is best to add people who you have physically met and know.
7. Screen name – try to use a screen name or a nick name. Limit information that can be directly traced back to you.
8. Security – try to use a secure password and secret question. People who know you well might be able to easily guess your password, or unlock your password through your secret question. Try to use numbers and letters in a random order.
9. Be positive – try to leave uplifting and positive messages for your friends. MySpace is not the place to fight or resolve conflict.  Everyone likes to receive positive messages that make them feel good.
10. Have fun! – As that is what it is all about!

Download a lesson plan for MySpace use.

Be safe online

Technology can be of immense benefit but unfortunately it can also be used to cause harm to others. For example, it is often much easier to make a hurtful comment via text in an instant message, email or SMS, than to say the same thing in person.

Cyber Safety is an essential responsibility for educators, parents and students.

What is cyber bullying?

Cyber bullying is the use of technology to intentionally cause harm to others. Bullying usually involves a differential of power, where there is a clear victim or victims and perpetrator. However, any act that causes intentional harm to others can be viewed as bullying.

Cyber bullying is bullying via information and communication tools such as the internet or a mobile phone. It is a growing concern in our gadget-obsessed generation. While cyber bullying may not take place at school, it has detrimental effects to the school community.

Read more