ADDICTED TO THE COMPUTER

Dear Jellybean,

Hi I have a little problem. I'm addicted to the computer! I can never get off of it! Im always thinking that my crush might come online or maybe somethings going to happen exciting. I love reading, but I wont get off the computer for it. Im homeschooled so I even do my work on the computer! It gets on my nerves that I can never get off of the computer. There is so many new websites to see and so many things to do, but it makes me stay up late, then I can't get up in the morning! I hope you can help!
-In Luv Wit The Comp.

Dear ILWTC,

The irony of answering your question in an online advice column is not wasted on me. The computer is a great source of info, an awesome social networking tool, and of course it's essential for getting your homework done... but there's also more to life than a pixelated screen.

Computer addiction is no joke, especially if it's ruining your sleep and making it hard for you to function properly during the day. Here are a few ideas to help you break your addiction:

Put your computer in a shared area of your house. If it's in your bedroom, move it into the kitchen or another common area. That way, not only will your parents bug you about getting off the computer when you're on for too long, but they'll be walking be a lot, which hopefully will make you want to IM and email less, and drive you to your room when it's time to sleep.

Set up a strict schedule for yourself about the number of hours you can spend online. Also make rules for how much of that time is spent doing homework, and how much time is for leisure. Post the schedule right beside your computer.

Ask your mom and dad to help. Show them your schedule, tell them that you're trying to surf less, and get more sleep at night. Ask them to help you stick to your schedule. Reward yourself when you do, by buying an awesome new book, doing a DIY beauty treatment, or whatever else motivates you.

Ask your parents to unplug your computer modem and take it into their room at a certain time every night. That takes away temptation completely after a certain hour.

Get involved in some non-computer related fun, such as sports, reading, crafts, whatever. Offer to walk the dog after your homework is done. Sign up for a fitness class with a friend, so you have to show up or they'll be disapointed. Make social plans that don't involve the computer. Put some effort into finding fun stuff to do that isn't online.