Tips to keep children out of phone/gaming addiction
What's the story
Giving phones to children to keep them engaged is a common practice among parents today. However, excessive exposure to these gadgets can take a toll on their mental and physical health, according to experts.
Increased tantrums associated with being deprived of a phone is an indicator of smartphone addiction.
It's important to notice these signs and help them overcome their addiction to smartphones.
Tip 1
Educate them about the harmful effects of phone addiction
Every time your child uses a smartphone, you may feel the impulse to take it away from them.
Setting rules or restrictions without providing justifications rarely produces the desired result.
Before establishing the screen-time guidelines at home, speak to your child in a language they will understand about the adverse effects of excessive screen time.
Tip 2
Play physical games
Busy lives of parents often limits the time they can spend with their children.
Hence, it is vital to set aside time for activities that foster relationships with kids, thereby diverting their attention from their mobile phones.
Play interactive games, read stories to them, or get them involved in your daily chores such as cleaning, gardening or cooking to do so.
Tip 3
Restrict the use
Set a daily time limit for your kid to use a smartphone. Discourage its use while eating, studying, at bedtime, or during their playtime.
While you can't be around kids all the time, it is better to set a password for your child so that your child cannot use it when you are away.
Setting no-phone zones at home might also work.
Tip 4
Ensure physical presence
Many things can be easily done without depending on technology.
Discuss your child's favorite television shows with them, summarize the plot, and describe the characters. Extend the experience by acting out the narrative when it's time to put the phone away.
Similarly, get them to interact with people in person rather than making them see over video calls.
Tip 5
Be a role model
Discouraging your kid from phone usage while you are yourself addicted is not a good way to go about it.
Kids often learn from what they see or hear.
Therefore, limit your use of your phone to set a positive example for your children.
Otherwise, explain to your kid why your line of work necessitates heavy smartphone usage.