In an effort to better understand the growing phenomenon of Internet Addiction, I will be holding a parenting group on the topic of setting limits for video game misuse.

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 opportunities.

Unplugged: Parenting Towards Deeper Connection – Wednesday October 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the group room at the Yonge Lawrence Centre for Counselling and Consulting. There is no fee for this group but participants must send an e-mail to [email protected] reserve their spot.

Unplugged_Event Flyer_Oct 3, 2012