How to get a teenager off his computer

[grannieonabike]

I've just discovered how to get my son off his computer.

I've been on the computer all day, for the first time, enjoying myself so much that I completely forgot to make supper. I only realised when at about 8.30 this evening DS emerged red-eyed from his room and asked, 'When's supper?'

So now I have a plan. I shall match him, hour for hour, on our computers. No housework will get done (he wouldn't care - until he didn't have any clean clothes), and no cooking (he wouldn't like that) ...

I wish I really had the guts to do this. Or the staying power. But today has exhausted me, so I know I won't be able to keep it up. I have a life (unlike him, I'm afraid).

So - any other suggestions? I've tried unplugging, removing components and locking them in the boot of the car, looking over his shoulder and asking annoying questions, making loud noises of horror when he kills someone, bribery, threats; I've pleaded with him, emotionally blackmailed him ...

Ah. Suddenly it becomes clear. He's not on his computer because he wants to get away from me is he? Is he?

Help please?

How old is he?
It makes a huge difference because if you are trying to undo totally free access, how many years has he been able to go on a s long as he wants?

I put a password on my DS' laptop and he doesn't have it. I have to unlock it for him.
I have been known to turn off the Wifi connection because DD wouldn't come off.
I often set a time limit.
They have other hobbies that take up a significant part of their free time.
I expect them to be reasonable and do as they're asked.
Being as they are in 15 and 19, they have a lot of homework and coursework that needs doing, so that is an expectation as well.

Install K9. This gives people computer access in 15/30/45/60 minute segments if you have the password.

Obviously, only you will have the password.

It couldn't be simpler and it's free to install. Just google it.

He's 15. The rules have always been that he can be on the computer until 10.00 on school nights (as long as he does his homework too) and at least a third of each day (morning, afternoon or evening) must be spent off the computer at weekends.

I have to say it's patchy - sometimes he's on it more than others - and he does play football at least three times a week. He seems to have plenty of friends, but his teachers all say that although he is capable of getting good marks, he's not doing enough homework.

At one point last term he was refusing to amswer me when I asked him about homework, and I got four or five letters home about it, from different teachers. However, after parents'e evening, he seemed to have taken on board what the teachers said, and was doing more.

Now it's the holidays, and we can't afford to go away, but his three best friends are all away this week and next, so he doesn't have anyone to hang around with. I send him out to do the shopping, and we went on a walk today with the rest of the family, but he won't normally come out with me at all.

I'm not really anxious right now, because we are on holiday. But I am worried about next term. He really needs to buckle down to get those grades, and although I think he wants to do that too, the temptation of the computer is so strong.

What I'd really like is more of the carrot and less of the stick. But if it comes to it, I could always try the K9 thing. At least I could use it as a threat.

Thanks for your help.