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5 Solution to Prevent Child Gadget Addiction

Child gadgets addiction is a common issue that many parents are facing nowadays. Find out how to wean children from their devices with these solutions.

By QwikFonePublished 4 years ago Updated 2 years ago 7 min read
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Photo credit: Momspresso

artphones and other gadgets make life a bit more convenient for us. These compact devices help us stay connected to one another, let us work wherever we go, and even keep us entertained for that matter. Parents make use of tablets and smartphones to keep their little ones entertained too. However, too much of a good thing can become bad, and for children, playing with gadgets at such a young age can become an addiction to them.

Effects of Gadgets on Children’s Health

As someone who has kids around the house, it is easy to simply give your device to them to keep them quiet and entertained. Unfortunately, this habit of ours can lead to child gadget addiction that can be difficult to wean them off. For parents who are not fully aware of the effects of gadgets on children’s health, here’s what you need to know.

  • Obesity. One of the dangers of gadget use in children is obesity. Since kids are hooked to playing with their tablets for hours, they become sedentary. Unfortunately, lack of movement can cause fat to build up and when obesity sets in, you are putting your kids at risk of various health issues.
  • Delayed development. Some parents let their toddlers stay glued to their tablets watching cartoons and such. However, at this age, they should be moving around, playing with toys, and bonding with their family. Exposing them to gadgets at this age can affect their development both physically and mentally.
  • Slow mental development. Another effect of too much gadget use in children is that their mental development will be hampered. This is because they are simply focused on the images displayed on the gadget and that they do not have any interaction with real people like their parents.
  • Tantrums. It is understandable that parents want some peace and quiet when they are around the house. However, children can demand a lot of their time hence the old standby which is providing them with a gadget. At first, this tool can be effective in keeping your little ones busy, but the more they use it, the more likely your children will rely on it all the time. Taking it away from them can lead to your kids doing a tantrum since you took away their favorite offline game.
  • Social relationships are affected. Another negative effect of letting your kids use gadgets all the time is that you are preventing them from building relationships. This is critical at their age since they will need to develop emotional attachments not just to you, but to others as well.

Recommended Solutions to Prevent Child Gadget Addiction

Now that you have an idea of the dangerous effects on children of gadgets, you might be wondering if there is anything you can do to wean them from the use of technology. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken where you can introduce the use of gadgets but not make your child addicted to them. Here are a few suggestions from the experts.

Create a schedule.

Parents cannot help but use gadgets to distract their children from time to time. However, the best way to prevent your kids from being hooked to gadgets use is to create a schedule for them. This schedule will tell them when it is time to use their devices for up to an hour or two, then they will have to return them after. Another reason why scheduling is a great idea is that it gives them structure not just with their time, but their use of technology too. For older children, you can let them use their iPad for learning purpose over the weekend, or perhaps an hour each day, and that’s it.

Become their role model.

Your children will look up to you which means that whatever it is that you do, they will follow. This can be flattering for adults, but it also means that you need to be careful about how you act and speak. It also includes limiting your use of your devices while at home. This is going to be difficult as we can’t help but check our gadgets all the time, but in the presence of children, it should be a must. This way, you are showing your little ones that your world doesn’t revolve around technology and you can use this time to bond with your sons and daughters. You can apply the same schedule on gadget use with yourself too so that it will encourage your children to follow it as well. If you want to prevent them from being addicted to tablets and mobile devices, this is a great step to try yourself.

Have a gadget-free time.

Another tip to help prevent your little one from getting hooked on technology is to set times when everyone is not allowed to use their smartphones or their tablets. For example, you can tell them that no one is allowed to have their phones during mealtimes, when outdoors, or when you have an important event to attend. This rule will teach your children that interacting with the family and other people is much better than being glued to their devices. And since everyone in the household is doing the same, it won’t make them feel bad that they are not allowed to play with their gadgets. There are parents who let their kids play during meal times but this is not advisable. For starters, your children will not eat well, and two, they are missing the opportunity to create a stronger bond with the rest of the family. Setting a gadget-free time can help lessen their exposure to technology which can be beneficial to their development.

Take them outdoors.

What else can you do to wean your children from their addiction to their gadgets or you want to prevent it from happening? Well, you might want to let your kids play outside under your watchful eyes. Letting your little ones run, jump, and have fun outdoors will not only aid in their physical as well as mental development, but you are also preventing them from relying on technology for their entertainment. The best part is that you can join in on the fun too, which will make it more enjoyable for everyone since you are all having the time of your life. Take your kids to the park or go hiking over the weekend so they will see other people and interact with them. Again, apply the no-gadget rule when you are outdoors but just have old-fashioned family fun.

Let them earn their gadget time.

If in the off-chance that your little one is already hooked to using smartphones and tablets, you can make them earn their use instead. Not only will this help wean them from using the latest tech in your home, but they will also learn that they will not get everything that they want easily. Teach them the value of working for something that they want, by giving them points for each chore that they do or the lessons they learn.

Conclusion

Technology has helped many parents in caring for their little ones and their work at the same time. Simply turn on an educational show and show it to your child and they will be hooked for hours while you can work in peace. Although this seems like a good deal between parents and children, too much gadget use can have a negative impact on their emotional, physical, and mental health.

Specialists are encouraging parents to reconsider how much gadget use they are allowing their kids these days. There have been studies that show that children who were exposed to technology at such a young age have slow development. As a parent, you should be the one to guide your little ones through their developmental stage and not your smartphone or your tablet either. You will be the one that they should look up to.

Fortunately, weaning your child from their gadget addiction is possible by starting with the tips mentioned above. It will take patience from your end too especially when your child has become attached to their smartphone to make them lose interest in devices. Take them outdoors, do physical activities together, or use your gadget time wisely with them. You are their role model which is why you should show them that gadgets are meant to be used minimally.

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About the Creator

QwikFone

QwikFone is one of the first companies to provide 360° mobile solutions in the UK market. QwikFone developed 3 business lines:

1- Mobile repair center

2- Mobile spare parts supply services

3- Pristine refurbished mobile phones

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