It might be tough for parents to keep their children away from screens in today’s digital world. Digital technology is becoming more accessible daily. Every home today has two or more smart devices. The online world is incredibly seductive and can harm a child’s entire development.
Both adults and children can develop an addiction to it. We must be aware of this problem and how we can help prevent children from acquiring a digital addiction because many parents are unaware of it until it is too late.
“Children who are addicted to their smartphones may suffer from sleeping disorders, poor concentration and poor educational outcomes,” according to experts.
6 ways that may help your child overcome his or their smartphone addiction:
Acknowledge
It’s difficult to determine how much time children spend on their gadgets, but it’s easy to distinguish between children who are simply playing with their phones and those who are using them for pleasure or distraction. Increased anger and tantrums when losing access to a phone or tablet are apparent signs of smartphone addiction in children. Recognizing the symptom is the first step in ending the cycle of smartphone addiction in children.
Encourage physical activity
Ensure that your child spends enough time away from electronics at home to play outside or participate in other physical activities. Consider restricting screen time at home if he or she spends too much time on electronics. Participating in activities with children is an excellent approach to guarantee that physical games are entertaining and interesting enough to keep them engaged.
Establish screen time limits
Set a daily time limit for your child to use a smartphone. Setting a schedule is an excellent method for getting children to follow rules while also reducing some of the stress associated with raising children. It is not recommended that children under the age of 18 months be exposed to screens.
Make your home a digital-free zone
Try not to keep your child’s phone in his or her bedroom when he or she goes to sleep. This can result in nighttime struggles and inappropriate sleep patterns, affecting your child’s general growth and development.
Even if there isn’t a predetermined bedtime, make sure your child isn’t spending too much time staring at screens after dark. Furthermore, no screen usage during mealtimes, homework time, or in public places. Giving in to your child’s tantrums will not teach them to value rules since they will learn how to get away with breaking them.
Social Media fast
While it may appear difficult to undertake, a media fast might help to end harmful smartphone relationships. Set out a week of the day when smartphones and tablets are not permitted to be used. Encourage your children to participate in household chores, learn new skills, or engage in arts and crafts activities on a no-device day.
Set a good example
Before you expect your child to obey screen-time guidelines, make sure you are providing a good example for them. What children see is more important than what they hear. Keep track of your smartphone usage and make the same restrictions for yourself that you do for your children.