How to Keep Your Teen Off Facebook

Ninety-four percent of teens who use social media sites have a Facebook profile, and 42 percent of them visit Facebook several times a day, according to a survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Many parents recognize the benefits of letting their teenagers use Facebook, such as keeping in touch with friends and relatives in all corners of the world. For some parents, Facebook can be a cause for concern. If you're worried your teen is spending too much time on the site, you need to work out a compromise.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an appropriate time to talk to your teenager about her Facebook usage. Do it when she's not too tired, emotional or stressed, and make sure you won't get disturbed.

    • 2

      Ask your teenager about his Facebook activity. Why does he enjoy using the site? What positive and negative experiences has he had on Facebook? Does he think he spends too much time on it? Let him talk without interrupting him.

    • 3

      Explain your concerns and the reasons behind those concerns. For example, you may feel that the amount of time your teen spends on Facebook is having a negative impact on her schoolwork if her grades have dropped. Be honest, open and respectful but make sure you get your point across.

    • 4

      Tell your teenager that you are not going to stop him using Facebook altogether, but that you will establish limits for his own wellbeing. Be firm about this; remember you are the parent. HealthyChildren.org recommends explaining the reasons for your rules, which may make your teen more willing to accept them.

    • 5

      Suggest a daily time limit for Facebook usage that you think is appropriate for your teen's age and stage. For a young teen, you may feel that 30 minutes every evening, after homework is completed, is sufficient. Be more flexible and generous with an older teen, but stress that schoolwork, family time and other activities have to come first. Make it clear that at certain times of the day all computers and cell phones are off limits, such as meal times and during homework.

    • 6

      Encourage your teen's passions for other activities. Remind her of hobbies and interests she loved before the days of Facebook. Arrange regular day trips and fun activities to take her away from the computer.

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