Adolescents and Youth may be particularly attracted to the Internet for a variety of reasons; developmental issues, social dynamics (family factors and peer interactions), and cultural components. This can pose some very challenging parenting dilemmas. The internet generation faces a situation totally different from what their parents have faced. The dynamic rate of change allows no role models anymore, no points of reference. Parents and educators can no longer ask each other: Now how did we handle that? They are familiar with other risks on the road to adulthood but often lack personal experiences with cyberspace.

They are the first generation challenged to set limits for their children in an area in which their children know more than they do.

Parents should not be daunted by this new situation. They can still draw on their life experiences to set limits. Access to the Internet and cell phones makes young people and children more independent from the adult world, but this independence entails risks as well as opportunties.

In an effor to better understand this new phenomenon I will be holding a parenting group on Wednesday July 18 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the group room at the Yonge Lawrence Centre for Counselling and Consulting.

The group will consist of a short lecture on “Video Gaming Addiction and Setting Limits” followed by a group discussion.

There is no fee for this group, but participants must register to reserve a seat as attendance will be limited to 10 participants. Please send me an e-mail to confirm your spot  [email protected]

Here is the flyer attached for more information about the event.

Unplugged_EventFlyer_YLC_July_18