Online Addictions and Child Accountability
Online Addictions and Child Accountability
Current Alternatives
There are really two issues: Parents trying to protect their children, and children and adults already suffering from online addictions.
Blocking and Monitoring Software
High-tech alternatives include blocking software and monitoring software. Unfortunately, blocking software does not work all of the time. Determined "addicts" can use a different computer or mobile device, and adults who know the passwords can disable them secretively to get their fix and then re-enable them later.
Popular monitoring software can go too far. It is often too intrusive and can often slow down your computer. It can also send an accountability partner too much information (keystrokes to your passwords, your personal journal entries, copies of e-mails, etc.), and it is also missing key features from a therapist standpointsuch as instant text messaging, notification when disabled, etc.
In fact, most existing software does not work as well as it should since it is not "relationship based" and it doesn't solve the problem from the inside out (a proven approach to solve addictions).
So what do we do about it?
Solution
You may want to consider... Accountability Software
Accountability software works with parents and those with online addictions to help and assist overcoming these problems the software works in this way;
1) It solves the problem from the inside out.
a)Requires a personal decision. You make a decision to solve the addiction and you install the software. It is not something that is done "to" you, but it is installed"with" your cooperation, understanding and support.
b)Helps users resist temptation--not just avoid it. The software increases your sense of accountability and reduces your desire for the addiction. The longer you can resist, the easier it becomes to resist--so you can have occasions of exposure and still survive without regression.
c) Removes online anonymity. Saavi Accountability records and reports when you have regressed to the addictive behavior. This eliminates the secret anonymity, acts as a second conscience and helps you stay more accountable.
2) It is relationship based.
a) Uses accountability partners. The software allows you to assign accountability partners (a parent, spouse, friend or trusted counselor) that can support you in your efforts to resist and break the addiction. This is a proven and highly effective approach to help overcome addictions.
b) Instant notifications. Saavi Accountability can send an e-mail or text message to parents or your accountability partner within seconds of a violation or if you try to deactivate it. This allows them to be aware of and help you address the problem as soon as possible.
3) It works with all ages (children and adults) for all online addictions.
a) Individual standards. It does not enforce pre-defined standards. You determine which areas to address, and the software helps ensure accountability.
b) Works with kids. Parents can set the standards, and the software can report violations. This maintains the parents' right and obligation as the natural accountability partners for children who may not even be aware of an addictions harmful effects.
c) Works with adults. Since it is "collaborative" software instead of spyware, it is installed with the full knowledge of the participant. This is the only approach that will work with an adult who needs to be part of the recovery process and can otherwise turn it off.
d)Time and content based. It can allow some usage but report abuses when the user has violated pre-defined time limits. This allows healthy fun to some of the online games and resources but reports it when it becomes excessive and potentially addictive so it can be addressed immediately.
4)It is not intrusive and won't slow down your PC.
a)No user passwords. Unlike competing applications that require each user to log into the software before using, Saavi Accountability uses your standard Windows or Mac log-in and is setup for each user accordingly.
b)Doesn't record or send keystrokes. Saavi Accountability is not keylogger software, so it won't record sensitive passwords or personal e-mails and it won't send them to your accountability partner.
c)Does not restrict. It is not blocking software. Instead, it realizes that exposure may happen (even with the best blocking software), but it is designed to increase accountability, including the desire to turn away when tempted, versus expecting avoidance to solve the problem (when much of the content it is too prevalent).
d) Runs transparent--light on resources. Saavi Accountability was specifically designed to use the absolute minimum resources. This ensures you can always run it in the background without even noticing.
5) It is endorsed by leading therapists.
a)Uses a new model - increases accountability. The typical model for overcoming addictions uses a 12-step process that relies heavily on total avoidance. However, some online content is so pervasive that it is impossible to avoid (even filtering software fails). Saavi Accountability uses an updated model that relies on relationships to increase accountability.
Following are comments from therapists:
- "One of the biggest barriers to recovery, for sexual addictions, is not having the opportunity to be able to practice or be able to stop yourself voluntarily. This is what Saavi provides, the opportunity to make a choice." Todd M. Frye, PhD, LCPC, LCMFT
- "Rather than putting a filter in place that inhibits conversation, Saavi opens the door for new levels of conversation to take place." Todd Bowman, PhD, LPC
Imagine
being able to overcome life-consuming addictions that can produce failing school grades, lost jobs, destroyed marriages and loss of productivity. This is done because Accountability software increases your sense of accountability by enlisting and automatically notifying and getting help from an accountability partner. The result--you are free of your online addictions, you have your life back, and you, and those around you, can be much, much happier.
Saavi Accountability, The #1 Best-Selling Instant Personal Accountability Software
www.saaviaccountability.com
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