8 Tips To Curb Your Child's Smartphone Use - Society

A rapidly growing body of research points to the negative effects of compulsive smartphone use, especially among young people. Quite understandably, parents are increasingly asking themselves what to do to curb this addiction in their children

Compulsive smartphone use can lead to depression, insomnia, increased stress levels, and a host of other illnesses. Not to mention, a decrease in the frequency and quality of interpersonal communication, which can have a negative impact on the ability to social interaction and self-presentation skills in the long term. Being literally obsessed with smartphones, people are reading less and less paper and even e-books.

I am afraid that the day will come when technology will surpass simple human communication. And we'll get a generation of idiots

Albert Einstein

Today's children don't know the world without smartphones, so you shouldn't blame them for using them all the time. Especially if you yourself have repeatedly used this convenient method to distract and entertain your child.

You may already be aware that in your family, smartphone use has gotten out of control and become painfully intrusive. Let's take a look at eight tips to help you curb this disturbing habit.

1. Set an example by changing your behavior

Children copy adults. Indeed, close observation of preschoolers helps to clearly see how the behavior of children mirrors the habits of their parents. You do not let go of your phone, chat while driving, constantly check social networks, e-mail, get directions and book a table in a restaurant online. What do you think this leads to?

Your children learn from your example. A habit can be changed by making a conscious effort to reduce the distraction of the digital world. Efforts from both sides. Just put your smartphone down and spend more eye-to-eye time with your offspring. After all, there is no closer connection than between parents and children. In addition, spending less time on the web will be beneficial for your well-being.

2. Meals without smartphones

How long does a regular meal last? Of course, you can set aside this time for talking about the events of the past day, plans, interests, worries. With fun and jokes, showing a sense of affection and family bond.

To make this possible, you will have to insist that during the meal the smartphones are turned off or put on silent mode, or even better left in another room. If the device is not lying on the table nearby (this also concerns you), it will not distract your attention from each other, from family communication.

Recent studies have shown that even brief use of the phone while eating is distracting and significantly reduces the pleasure of eating. It also found that when one person starts using a cell phone at a desk, others are more likely to follow suit.

Most likely, your children will oppose such an initiative and say that they should always be in touch in case of an important call or message. Be persistent, you are a parent. Meal time is time without a smartphone.

3. Turn off phones during sleep

There is a lot of research on the harmful effects of blue light from electronic device screens. That should be enough to convince you to turn off smartphones at night for everyone in your household. At the very least, be sure to leave your phones outside the bedroom to completely eliminate the temptation to glance at the screen and not start using the device in bed, which will undoubtedly interfere with sleep.

Get ready for another protest from the kids. Explain to them that night is the best time to recharge the device's battery. Everyone needs a full charge to get the job done the next day.

4. Plan entertainment that doesn't require a smartphone

You don't need a smartphone when you are actively involved in sports, running, skiing, sledding, water sports and the like. The more you come up with interesting activities for the whole family, for example, modeling, any joint needlework, the more active, energetic your children are, the less likely they are to twist their necks when typing another text message.

Being outdoors can help reduce stress levels and improve physical and mental health. Great bonus!

5. Organize personal meetings of children with friends - smartphones are prohibited

Children these days prefer to use smartphones instead of hanging out in the company. What parents can do is encourage their children to invite their friends over to spend time together.

The kids can meet for a short time to play their favorite game together. For teenagers, the idea is about the same. Have a pizza night after class on Friday. Host themed weekend events, such as a Halloween costume party.

It is difficult to completely ban smartphones at such meetings, but if you think over an interesting program so that everyone is busy and passionate, children simply will not have time to bury themselves on the screen of a mobile phone. Parents of toddlers can be actively involved in helping with the organization. Teens can handle it on their own, just let them know that you are nearby and check from time to time what they are doing.

6. Monitor what your child is doing on their smartphone

How do you know what your child sees on their smartphone or computer? Cyber persecutors are common on the web, and children can easily find themselves in a dangerous situation without realizing it.

You may be confused by the idea of constantly monitoring your child's personal affairs. Talk to other parents, research this issue on the Internet. Look for the softest way to get information about your child's online activity without being overly intrusive, controlling, or violating personal boundaries.

Remember that you are a parent. It is your responsibility to keep your child safe. Including on the Internet.

7. Homework first

Children can chat for hours - send a message there, a photo here, hang out on social networks. This can lead to poor academic performance. Let your kids know that homework comes first and socializing with friends comes second.

Of course, you will need to keep track of what they are doing and whether they are busy with their homework. And one more thing - do not easily agree with the version that chatting is forced, about a joint project. If so, invite a friend home so the kids can collaborate offline on the project.

8. No online games on weekdays

Perhaps your teenager is into online video games. One of the favorites in our family is Fortnite. This became such a big problem that we had to agree: no games on weekdays.

In addition, we have limited the time for games on those nights when it is allowed to play. No more endless hours spent with the controller in hand and eyes glued to the big screen.

According to one recent study, 160 million American adults play Internet games. At the same time, it was found that from 0.3 to 1.0% of the country's population can potentially qualify for a diagnosis of acute gaming disorder.

Author: Suzanne Kane