Prevention Programs
Korea is leading the way in implementing prevention programs at early development stages of children. This is the time to act swiftly in helping young children form good Internet use behaviors. Prevention is key in other addictions so why not for Internet addiction?
A closer look at the prevention camps in Korea shows that the children at the camp who show warning signs of becoming raging “internetaholics” spend their time playing reality-based games, taking hikes, reading books and going to counseling sessions. Doctors at the camp find that there are two distinct kinds of potential addicts, those who are in love with the anonymity of the Internet and those that enjoy the power and the vicariously violent behavior games provide. Both of these categories, fit the super category escapists who, for one reason or another, prefer the virtual fantasy world to escape some other aspect of their lives.
Beyond returning to nature, the focus of many Internet fasting camps and digital detox retreats, the American Academy of Pediatrics says two hours tops of screen time should be the limit, but I think that’s even too much and I suggest just one hour of entertainment media.
At the preschool or Kindergarten level, we need to take Korea’s lead and focus on prevention and responsible use of technology to instill those values in children. As we start children on technology through tablets, laptops, and mobile devices, this begs the question “How young is too young?” Should we even consider waiting until children develop solid social skills and establish healthy nutritional and exercise habits before they are introduced to computers?