Technology is an inseparable part of life today. Everyone depends on screens for their education, entertainment, and socialization. While these screens can seem like a necessity, one must also recognize the risks associated with overuse. Disturbed sleep patterns, social anxiety, and obesity are some of the most common problems arising from excessive use of screens.
These detrimental effects can be more pronounced in children who were plunged into the virtual world at a very young age. From television screens to tablets and phones, some kids bounce from one screen to another all day. While it may seem impossible to undo the impact of technology on their lives, it is imperative to balance it.
As a parent or guardian, your child depends on you in their formative years. You can mold their personalities by creating healthy habits that are good for their physical and psychological development. By following these tips, you can teach kids how to strike a balance and experience the joy of real-world interactions.
1. Provide Better Alternatives
Kids may have boundless energy, but they also have a limited attention span. They need space to explore and discover. Take your child outdoors for walks or a bike ride, whenever the weather permits. Stop by the local park, so they can enjoy using playground equipment. Climber systems or monkey bars can strengthen their body, and taking turns going down slides or pushing other kids on the swings can help them interact with other children.
Fresh air can be a great mood booster too. If the playground isn’t an option, take them along as you run your outdoor errands so they feel valued as your helper. Even at home, you can keep them busy in the kitchen with you. Kids love doing grown-up things so they might end up enjoying family time more than screen time.
2. Monitor Screen Time
Experts advise parents to minimize screen time, especially for children who haven’t started school yet. With homework often being done on computers, it’s becoming difficult to put an hourly limit for older kids. However, teens and tweens can also benefit from some parental controls on their screens. Work with your kids to set clear but realistic limits for movies, video games, and other screen-dependent fun.
Consider installing parental control apps to monitor the quality and quantity of the content your child is consuming. Not only does this limit their screen time, but it can also protect them from inappropriate exposure. As your kids grow older, they may be able to find ways around these controls. Make sure you explain to them why you have put limits. Talk to them about how they shouldn’t trust strangers behind screens.
3. Help Them Develop Meaningful Connections
Children are innocent by nature and therefore can be an easy target for online predators and scammers. If a child doesn’t have many friends in real life, they’re at a higher risk for trusting such people. So, keep an eye on your child’s friend circle and make sure they don’t feel lonely or alienated. Help them polish their social skills and strengthen their self-confidence. Let them know you love them exactly how they are.
The obsession teens have with social media validation can be detrimental to their self-image. Keep reminding them that online posts don’t always show the true picture and online criticism is often just projection. Encourage them to hang out in person by taking your kids and their friends to the mall or the movies. Be their emotional coach and help them grow socially.
4. Keep Kids Busy At Home
Allow your child to find his or her talents by letting them try new activities. Even if the paint creates a mess or the musical instrument is loud, let them explore new avenues. These creative hobbies not only reduce screen time but also spark imagination and promote a sense of accomplishment. These art and music skills may go on to shine on their college applications and resumes.
Schedule outdoor family time where the family can relax with nature too. If you’re stuck indoors, have a board game night or do a DIY project together. Even when you’re in the car, you can play verbal games to keep them busy. Such family activities strengthen bonds and create warm memories. Keep in mind that adults are often just as addicted to screens, if not more, so no-screen-time is equally important for you.
5. Be a Good Role Model
Kids absorb ideas from their environment. If they see their parents turn to a screen to relax, they’ll do the same. Similarly, children who see their family members enjoying a book are more likely to become readers themselves. Once you adopt a healthier lifestyle for your kids, you’ll note a positive impact on your mood and mindset.
Designate some tech-free zones and times in your household. For instance, keep phones away from the dining table, so you can focus on your meal and a healthy conversation. Similarly, all devices should be switched off one hour before bedtime, so the mind gets time to unwind. Cultivate these simple habits for your children, so they can reap the benefits in the future.
Instead of demonizing technology, empower your children with digital literacy. Educate them about the benefits and dangers of the virtual world, emphasizing the importance of privacy and safety. By encouraging a healthy lifestyle that is both physically and mentally stimulating you’re setting them off in the right direction. With health as a priority, they’ll enjoy a well-rounded childhood, where they can thrive both online and offline.
