In today’s digital era, it is a great headache for parents to keep their children away from mobile phones. Nowadays, in every household, there are at least 2 to 4 devices. Smartphones and tablets have now become essential learning tool for the children. No doubt, it has numerous benefits, but it also creates an addictive and negative impact on a child’s overall development. Irresponsible use of mobile phones also affects their health. Many parents believe that it is too hard to reduce the use of mobile phones among children. So most parents just scold them and leave them with mobile phones to do whatever they like.
Harmful effects of smartphones
As a parent, you have to understand the detrimental effects of mobile phone use on your children. Most children are addicted to the internet, playing games, social media, chatting, and others. They mostly like to use mobile phones before going to sleep.
Here is a list of side effects of mobile phone uses:
- Behavioral problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Addiction
- Obesity
- Depression
- Concentration and learning issues
- Weakening of attention span
- Eyesight problems
- Headache
- Insomnia
Ways to avoid mobile phone uses
Engaged in creative works
Creative activities help to develop the cognitive thinking of the child. It helps them to develop something new and develop their mind in decision-making and problem-solving. If your child engages in creative activities, then they will be less attracted to mobile phones and more involved in healthier growth. Encourage your child to do activities like drawing, painting, crafting, dancing, gardening, swimming, reading story books, creating stories, writing essays, and playing indoor and outdoor games like chess, ludo, carrom board, puzzle, badminton, cycling, football, and others.
Source: https://blog.souqfann.com/
Encourage outdoor activities
Children mostly want to use mobile phones while staying inside the home. They feel like they have no work to do and start using mobile phones. To minimize the use of mobile phone, it is better to engage your child in outdoor activities like visiting parks, walks with pets, gardening, watering plants, playing with children, and so on.
These days, children have already forgotten to enjoy themselves. So they find enjoyment in smartphones.
Use Parental Control Apps
Parental control apps help to manage children’s mobile phone usage. With the help of these apps, parents can set restrictions on app usage, screen time, and access to specific content. They can also track their child’s online activities and block inappropriate websites or apps. Additionally, parents can monitor and manage their child’s phone usage, calls, and messages more effectively.
Develop tech-free zones at home
Try to make tech-free zones in specific areas of your home to maintain a distance between your children and mobile phones. Establish tech-free zones in your bedroom to encourage better sleep habits and prevent late-night phone use. Additionally, ensure screen time limits to avoid distractions around meal times, homework time, bedtime, traveling, and other essential time. Establish a healthy family interactions zone to cut time from phone use. A tech-free environment promotes improved family connection, communication, and time spent together.
Be a Role Model
Children mostly learn by observing their parents’ activities and behaviour. They usually mimic you. So be attentive to your own mobile phone-using habits and become a positive example for them. Minimize your own screen time when you are present with your child, and avoid using the phone excessively during family time.
When spending quality time with your child, engage in meaningful conversations, activities, or outings that do not involve mobile phones. Encourage face-to-face interactions and show them the value of direct human connection to strengthen the parent children relationship.
Conclusion
In a world where technology rules, it is crucial for parents to actively monitor how their children use mobile phones. Parents need to support their children in developing healthy connections with smart devices by setting clear rules such as supporting outdoor activities, establishing tech-free zones, encouraging them to do creative activities, utilizing parental control apps, setting screen time limits, and maintaining face-to-face communication.
