My closest friend recently complainted about her son. That he is only interested in the computer, he refuses to read books or even play with other kids. But earlier she herself bought him a modern computer and game collection. Let him rather sit at home, it will keep him occupied and let me do my chores, so she thought.

That said, parents are blissfully unaware of the sort of information that their child is accessing through the computer. They do not suspect that the machine in their home has gone from being a toy, or a source of knowledge, to an object that essentially drives a gulf between the child and their parents, especially those parents who work. Step by step, kids tend to spend more and more hours playing on the computer.

Parents often become extremely distressed when their child is totally absorbed in playing on the computer. Certain pedagogues have accused computers of diminishing children's knowledge of lexicology as it has been found that children cannot adequately recall certain words.

Medics made an important point that computer addiction has a negative influence on children's health, behaviour and school progress. So, what should we do? Get rid of all home computers? Put a stop to technological progression? No, obviously we cannot do these things. It is impossible.

In one survey undertaken with children, we were able to uncover some of the facts. From the 30 children who were questioned, only one child claimed to be obsessed with the computer. That said, half of the children referred to computers in their answers, despite the fact that they did not consider themselves to be technically minded. Regardless of their age, children are gradually speaking of computers in their everyday conversations.

What do parents tell you to do? Unplug the computer; talk; go out. Mum cooks and dad goes on the computer.

Should parents punish their children and how?

If children do something wrong, then you can punish them for a short time. You could forbid playing on the computer or watching television for example. When you punish your child, it should be done fairly with absolutely no physical violence. A better way is to take away the child's privileges, like their computer or pocket money for example.

What do you like doing? Playing on the computer and watching television. I love playing on the computer, but I like doing other things as well.

What home regulations should be followed by kids? Children should be able to play on the computer for 2 hours every day. I should have the right not to be disturbed when I am playing on the computer.

As we can see, the computer has become an essential part of children's lives. How big a part this is, is very much dependent on us, the parents.Computers can help children with their studies. Computers can develop a child's creative abilities and expose them to the vast and fascinating world.

However, this should be under one condition: that parents and their children use the computer together and that parents help their kids to find websites about animals, nature, technology and any subject that the child may be interested in.

Parents should engage their little ones with all creative activities that can be done with the aid of the computer. It could be colouring in, drawing, reading, finding useful information and even making new friends. With the help of their parents, children can create their own sites and take part in different competitions.

Parents must familiarise themselves with computer games and forbid any games that involve shooting and killing. They must also teach their children to be safe when working on the computer so that they do not ruin their eyesight or hurt their backs from a bad posture.

If parents show their children that the computer can be a source of help and wisdom, then it will be beneficial to them.

In contrast, computers can take over a child's life and become a substitute for reality. They can teach them cruel things, feed them harmful information and expose them to a world of violence and terror.

All depends on what one uses it for as the computer can be a great aid in sources for knowledege. But, at the same time, if used incorrectly, it could even destroy their minds and lives. What it turns out to be is dependent on us, the parents, who can influence the ways in which our children use the computer.