Recommendations to Avoid Internet Addiction Among Students ?

The recommendations are based on the principles of respect for freedom and privacy of individuals, values propagated by Singapore’s Government. These recommendations are aimed at taking preventive measures wherever possible. There is evidence that most kids ‘grow out of’ their Internet addiction within one or two years. Most youth have energy to spend time online and yet be productive at school environment. The corrective measures must be taken only when the Internet addiction is severe and starts affecting their academics and family relationships. An outright ban on Internet contents is not a feasible solution due to the vastness of Web resources available. The experiences of other nations show that effective use of Public Relations and engaging Parents can reduce the Internet addiction among youth. Japan Government used negative Public Relations exercise to highlight the ills of online suicide pacts which rocked the nation during early 2000s (Huus, 2003). As a result, its incidence has reduced in last few years. Chinese authorities have recognized Internet addiction as an illness (Global Voices, 2008). There are test centers in major cities to test and treat the youth who are addicted to the Internet. The measures include compulsory installation of “anti-obsession” software on computers to monitor and restrict their time spent on Internet. South Korea, on the other hand, has adopted preventive measure and has engaged in educating parents about monitoring their child’s usage of internet. rnThe present interactions of psychologists with parents must focus on parental responsibilities. This includes preventive measures to reduce the parent-child disconnect which can lead to Internet Addiction. This includes establishing a family-time where all the members of the family meet up and indulge in group activities like group dinner, or outdoor picnic. Moreover, parents must be encouraged to take interest in their child’s hobbies and interests. This will improve the bonding between parent and child. While a complete tab on online pornography is not possible, some extreme forms such as child pornography must be banned with the help of filters on Internet Service Providers (ISP). The parents must be made aware about their responsibility of keeping the home computer in an open environment where the usage of children can be monitored. Parents can also install monitoring software on home computers, but it is important to let the children know that it exists so that they are not embarrassed. rnThe corrective measures may include technological based solutions. Developers of popular online games must be asked to include “usage-pattern” software in their games to monitor the addiction levels of individuals. To play online games, accurate information according to Know Your Customer (KYC) norms must be filled up. This data needs to be regularly submitted to the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. This can help in restricting the excessive usage of children and recommending a psychologist to the parents of the child in case of symptoms of addiction. These recommendations can help in reducing the extreme forms of Internet addiction among youth in Singapore. rnThe above article has been written by our imminent writers at www.myassignmenthelp.co.uk . The website provides assignment help to students of all ages, which in turn helps the students to achieve good grades and improve their academic results. The assignment writing covers all the topics in the area like management, programming, law and nursing. Visit us to book your order and pursue academic excellence.