As a parent or a guardian of a child or a teenager, we always have the best intentions for them in our minds. But it sometimes can get tricky implementing our intentions into actions. For example, for an onlooker the addiction a child has to their phones or tabs will definitely seem unhealthy. Especially during the pandemic when these became the most go-to source for entertainment. But to help them overcome that addiction in a way they understand without resentment is an uphill battle. To help adults pull their kids out of their phone addiction, here are some useful and easy tips.
Limited Screen Time:
You need to set a limit to the amount of screen time they can enjoy each day. Give them the liberty to choose which time of the day they would want to use that privilege so they don’t feel cramped. And if they feel reluctant to go on with it then there is no way to help their phone addiction.
Set Boundaries:
You will also need to set some ground rules as to when and where using cell phones or tabs is strictly prohibited. For example, during family mealtime or a get-together, or at an event. It will look very rude if your child sticks to their screen the entire time while others are socializing and could reflect poorly on your parenting.
Not Before Bedtime:
The blue light emitting from the screens of these devices can disrupt the Circadian rhythm of the child’s body and make it harder for them to go to bed in time. Also if they use the phone before sleeping while lying on the bed it will also disrupt their eyesight from an early age.
Not During Travelling:
While travelling or on the move, cellular devices are constantly on the lookout for signals. This means a higher level of radiation. So during a journey make sure your child does not use or carries a phone or tab with them.
Buy Them a Phone With Low SAR:
SAR or Specific Absorption Rate is the amount of radiation emitted from every device with a network. So, if your child insisted aggressively as they do sometimes by throwing temper tantrums, then buy them a device with low SAR.
Monitor Their Screen Time:
This doesn’t mean you should be lurking over their head all the time, but check in from time to time. Talk to them about what they find so interesting on their phone, what they watch most, maybe try watching it with them and stay up to date.
Talk To Them Openly About Your Concerns:
If you communicate your concerns to your child, it will help them see your point of view with a clearer view. Tell them about the negative effect multitasking could have on their overall productivity and focus. This does not only strengthen your bond with them but also could motivate them to move away from the problem by themselves.
Engage With Them In Other Activities:
If you want your child to not lean towards electronic devices for their entertainment all the time and develop an unhealthy attachment then you have to keep them engaged in other activities. Set an example by moving away from your screen to spend quality time with them. Read a book to them or play board games with them, better yet take them outside for a little fresh air the possibilities are limitless.
These tips may seem like they are easy to do, and they are. The only thing needed to pull your child from their phone addiction is just your initiative to rectify their condition. You can also use the help of apps like Google Family Link that helps parents set boundaries and monitor what and how much their kids should be exposed to online on any device.
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