In today’s world, technology has become an integral part of our lives impacting family time significantly.
Unfortunately, gone are the days when families would engage in meaningful conversations. Nowadays, family members are more likely to be engrossed in their electronic devices such as cell phones, laptops, televisions, and tablets.
This trend has had a severe impact on families and particularly on young children who spend a lot of time watching YouTube cartoons or social media.
According to Very Well Family – an expert based website which focuses on parenting, extensive research has shown that this unhealthy habit poses various health risks which includes depression, obesity, anti -social behaviour, insomnia as well as a decrease in academic performances for teens.
The website also adds that the best way to know that your child is addicted to their device is when they use it as an emotional crutch to escape sadness or boredom. When it disrupts their daily life like mealtime, and when they are obsessed with the battery life of the device.
Youth First – a website focusing on prevention programs for social workers, recommend these 4 things you can implement to reduce your child’s screen time:
1. Set a daily limit for your child’s device usage and stick to it. Avoid giving in to bargaining and tantrums.
2. Do not allow electronic devices in your child’s bedroom. Set a specific “bedtime” for their device, and have them plug it into the charger in a designated space outside their room.
3. Monitor the content your child accesses and shares online. Keep an eye on the texts they send and receive.
4. Create “phone-free spaces” during family time to ensure balance and personal connections.
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