“Don’t worry, this craze will pass sooner or later,” explains child psychiatrist Daniel Marcelli (Daniel Marcelli). “In the meantime, negotiate with your teenager about the time that he can spend on the Internet.”
“Adolescents at the age of 13-15 have a huge need for socialization: they are eager to know the world and themselves, and on their own, without the help of their parents. The Internet gives them that opportunity. Corresponding on forums, chatting, teenagers freely talk about their feelings, share ideas and fantasies. They open up to people. Basically, we do the same thing when we read a book or meet friends, so why dramatize the situation? Perhaps virtual communication seems superficial to us, but love and friendship, quarrels and resentments also arise here. The screen facilitates contact, helping shy teenagers become more relaxed and sincere.
Problems arise if your child sits at the computer for hours and it is impossible to distract him. He is fascinated by the virtual dialogue, enthusiastically tapping on the keyboard and … stops noticing those who live nearby. Do not forbid him to go online — this will only alienate the teenager from yourself. Set a time frame, and the sooner you do it, the better — it’s much easier to come to terms with new boundaries at 13 than at 17. Friendly online chat? Please, but not at the expense of studies, family relationships and sleep, which is so important to his health right now. Tell your teenager that such dating can be dangerous. In the chat, under the mask of a benevolent person, a pedophile can always hide. Warn your son or daughter not to tell anyone their full name and address under any circumstances and not to meet strangers. Do not be afraid that an intense network life will limit the social opportunities of a teenager. The peak of interest in web communication usually falls on 15 years, and then fades to nothing — to make room and time for real relationships.