Keeping children away from screens in today’s online world is a significant struggle for parents. However, there are certain advantages to using the media. In today’s world, smartphones and tablets are becoming indispensable learning aids for children. While the online world has numerous advantages, it is also very addicting and may harm a child’s development. Children can develop harmful tendencies as a result of irresponsible media use. Thus, you should know the ways to break your child’s smartphone addiction.
Smartphone’s negative impacts
Teens spend roughly 9 hours a day in front of screens, while children (8-12) spend 6 hours- according to surveys. Smartphones harm kids. The following are some of the negative consequences of children’s excessive smartphone use:
- Problems with behavior
- Addiction
- Depression
- Disruptions in sleep
- Obesity
- Delay in social progress
- Hearing and attention problems
- Nervous system disorders are a common occurrence.
Keeping children away from devices can be a difficult challenge, and it can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as a loss of appetite and temper outbursts.
Here are 14 Unique Ways Break Your Child’s Smartphone Addiction in a Creative Manner:
#1 Time for a break:
Kids have a lot of energy, which should be put to good use. Make sure your children engage in physical activity regularly. Every 30 minutes, take them for a little walk and some stretching exercises. Bodies require movement, and habits are formed at a young age.
You can encourage them to participate in sports. It’s critical to get up and walk about after spending time in front of the screen.
#2 Other things should take precedence:
Before allowing your child to use a mobile device, make sure they have completed their homework, studying, and chores. From an early age, this aids in the establishment of clear priorities.
#3 Make a media strategy:
Preparing a comprehensive family media plan is the best way to limit unfettered media intake. This is a methodical way to teach your child how to use media ethically from the start.
#4 Using your smartphone as a reward or distraction is not a good idea:
Smartphones have the potential to be beneficial to children’s education. It is not advisable to completely abstain from it. Here, moderation is crucial. Many parents use screen time to motivate their children to study, do schoolwork, or help around the house, but this may cause more harm than good. Use of the smartphone as a diversion or a reward should be avoided because it might have negative consequences for the children.
#5 Allow children to participate in activity-based learning:
Kids use phones for amusement and leisure. Children enjoy taking on new tasks. Mobile games are appealing because they present new difficulties at every level.
Kids may learn while having fun by engaging them in activity-based learning.
#6 Keep a strict smartphone schedule:
Setting aside enough time allows parents to keep track of and limit the amount of time spent on electronics and avoid excessive smartphone use. Parents can develop the habit of routine in their children by introducing a schedule, which will prevent them from spending too much time in front of the screen. Smartphones have become an inseparable part of our lives, and keeping them away from children is challenging. As a result, teach your kids that they can only use your smartphone for a certain amount of time. Other things to consider:
- When your child is there, keep your phone usage to a minimum.
- No Phones during mealtime
- Before going to bed, don’t watch TV or use your phone.
- Don’t give in to your child’s ridiculous demands.
#7 Bond with your kid:
Parents nowadays have highly busy lifestyles and the time they have with their children is restricted. As a result, it is critical to set aside time for bonding activities with kids. Playing board games with your child or involving her in chores such as cleaning, cooking, or gardening will keep her away from her smartphone. Encourage your youngster to engage in activities such as music, instrument playing, reading, and drawing. Spend your weekends enjoying fun activities with your family, such as swimming, playing games, watching movies, and so on.
#8 Active supervision:
When children are immersed in the online world, they pay little attention to their posture, screen brightness, or screen distance from their eyes. Active monitoring is required to assist the child in maintaining appropriate posture while also providing a fantastic opportunity to co-engage with your children while they use the screen. This promotes social interaction, bonding, and educational opportunities. Interact with them while monitoring to gain a better understanding of what they’re doing. Also, assist them in overcoming any obstacles.
#9 Encourage playtime:
The brain is stimulated by physical activity. Physical activities allow children to expend their energy. The activities also allow them to develop gross and fine motor skills, learn new things, and socialize. It is extremely beneficial to a child’s physical and mental wellbeing.
#10 Say no to using technology to soothe your emotions:
Most parents use electronic devices to keep their children occupied while feeding, dressing, or traveling. Yes, media can help keep children quiet and focused, but it should not be the main means of calming them down. It is the responsibility of parents to assist their children in identifying and coping with intense emotions, devising activities to alleviate boredom, and maintaining open lines of communication to solve problems.
#11 Encourage face-to-face conversations:
Studies suggest that two-way dialogue with children is far more beneficial than passive listening or one-way interaction with a screen in terms of language development. Parents should organize time for face-to-face communication or video calls with distant parents and grandparents to enhance successful communication skills;
#12 Communicate with your child:
Children are drawn to the beautiful colors and animations that emerge on the smartphone screen. As a result, parents must educate their children about the risks of cell phone use to their health.
Show your children several films about the negative impacts of smartphone use to educate them.
#13 Create a password:
Let’s face it- you won’t always be able to oversee and supervise your kid. When you’re in a scenario like this, technology can help you out. Set a password on your phone to prevent your kid from using smartphones while you are away.
#14 Be an excellent role model for others:
Your actions teach children more than your words. They are keen observers who imitate their parents’ habits. It is critical to establish and adhere to tight guidelines. Limiting your smartphone usage allows you to spend more time with your kid. These interactions with your child are critical in developing a good parent-child relationship, which is frequently undervalued.
Many parents spend considerable time on their smartphones while instructing their children not to. Children are compelled to follow in their parents’ footsteps in these situations. You should practice what you preach. Limit your smartphone usage to set a good example for your child.
All in all:
Smartphones, like every other device, have advantages and disadvantages. They can be both educational and harmful. Face-to-face interaction with family, children, and friends has been found to have a substantial impact on children’s healthy development. Do not allow your child to become lost in a sea of media and technology as an adult. One of the best options is to opt for Montessori activities if you want to break your child’s smartphone addiction. Allowing your children to play with mobile devices and gain some well-deserved relaxation is great as long as they don’t become hooked to them and use them responsibly, finding a balance between real life and cell phone addiction.
