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Ask HN: How do you protect your children from internet addiction?

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Re: Ask HN: How do you protect your children from internet addiction?

#11

Post by imranq »

My approach is to demystify the addictive thing as much as possible.

Kid wants to play video games? Have them create their own video game before playing other video games

Addicted to TikTok? Have them create their own videos and channel before watching other peoples channels

Addicted to the internet? Have them create their own websites before having them see other people's websites

The foundations of addiction rely on the mind creating cycles of dependence on a single activity due to a lack of finding the same dopamine rush in other known activities. So if they understand what is going on behind the scenes that actually results in the dopamine rush, they can find healthier alternatives. They will do this automatically since dopamine with understanding = freedom

Re: Ask HN: How do you protect your children from internet addiction?

#12

Post by rr888 »

Realistically I've pretty much given up. The only thing is if we have school, organized events, sports - social interaction. Otherwise the (barely working) phone comes out - or the laptop which is required for all homework now. I'd love to do something but looking around the adults are just as addicted.

Re: Ask HN: How do you protect your children from internet addiction?

#13

Post by [deleted] »

imranq wrote: post #11

My approach is to demystify the addictive thing as much as possible. Kid wants to play video games? Have them create their own video game before playing other video games Addicted to TikTok? Have them create their own videos and channel before watching other peoples channels Addicted to the internet? Have them create their own websites before having them see other people's websites The foundations of addiction rely o…

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: How do you protect your children from internet addiction?

#14

Post by ge96 »

imranq wrote: post #11

My approach is to demystify the addictive thing as much as possible. Kid wants to play video games? Have them create their own video game before playing other video games Addicted to TikTok? Have them create their own videos and channel before watching other peoples channels Addicted to the internet? Have them create their own websites before having them see other people's websites The foundations of addiction rely o…

> Have them create their own video game before playing other video games

Brutal

Re: Ask HN: How do you protect your children from internet addiction?

#15

Post by bcrosby95 »

For our kids the big problem was youtube.

Give them a game on their tablet and they are quickly collaborating on it. Give them a show and they will go see what the other person is watching. After not too long (an hour or two) they are completely done and doing something else.

But youtube is different. They can sit alone, in a corner, slack jawed, for 8 hours per day, only watching youtube, as they respond to all questions with only a vague grunt.

Re: Ask HN: How do you protect your children from internet addiction?

#16

Post by barbazoo »

imranq wrote: post #11

My approach is to demystify the addictive thing as much as possible. Kid wants to play video games? Have them create their own video game before playing other video games Addicted to TikTok? Have them create their own videos and channel before watching other peoples channels Addicted to the internet? Have them create their own websites before having them see other people's websites The foundations of addiction rely o…

I'm not criticizing your approach at all I'm just wondering how you get from

> The foundations of addiction rely on the mind creating cycles of dependence on a single activity due to a lack of finding the same dopamine rush in other known activities. So if they understand what is going on behind the scenes that actually results in the dopamine rush, they can find healthier alternatives.

to what you've come up with? How does creating your own video make them understand what is going on behind the scenes when watching a video and how that creates a dopamine rush? Absolutely, creating your own videos is much more satisfying but I don't see how that relates to better understanding when watching a Tiktok feed.

Re: Ask HN: How do you protect your children from internet addiction?

#17

Post by qzx_pierri »

The solution to this problem is actively parenting your kids. Take them on hikes, start a hobby with them, bond, etc. Letting the internet babysit your kids is the precursor to internet addiction. If you put in the work, then you won't have to worry.

Re: Ask HN: How do you protect your children from internet addiction?

#18

Post by annoyingnoob »

codegeek wrote: post #5

This is something I think about a lot with 3 kids. I personally believe that we need a balance between allowing devices/internet (because this is 2022) and restricting few things. For me, social media is an absolute No and I will fight my kids until I can't. For example, there is no way I am going to let my 8 year old do Tick Tok or Snapchat and what not. It is way too toxic even for adults let alone a child who has…

I tend to agree. My kids have to earn device time by doing other things. We use ScreenTime with my son to keep him honest. Also had to setup a network for the kids that turns off between 11pm and 7am, caught them on devices late at night a few times. You need to give them opportunities but you also need to keep them honest, sometimes that takes limits.

Re: Ask HN: How do you protect your children from internet addiction?

#20

Post by annoyingnoob »

bcrosby95 wrote: post #15

For our kids the big problem was youtube. Give them a game on their tablet and they are quickly collaborating on it. Give them a show and they will go see what the other person is watching. After not too long (an hour or two) they are completely done and doing something else. But youtube is different. They can sit alone, in a corner, slack jawed, for 8 hours per day, only watching youtube, as they respond to all ques…

Do not give them access to roblox, you won't even get a grunt.
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