DIGITAL DETOX FOR KIDS

A very common theme among parents these days is the concern over their children’s use of digital devices. Each child has his own fixation from mobile phones to tablets, iPads, video game consoles, Netflix and the demon of all being social media.

With the world entering into an era of industrial revolution, media and digital devices have become an integral part of our lives. One can’t avoid screens in today’s times. There are television sets in waiting rooms, tablets/iPads in schools, and smartphones in everyone’s pockets.

As technology continues to emerge, and screens have become integrated into everyday life, most parents have had trouble deciding how much time to allow kids to spend on their devices.

If your 9 year old uses tablets to read books, should you still set a time limit?

If your 14 year old has a smartphone in his pocket, how do you limit as to how often he stares at the screen?

Every child spends anywhere from 4 to 7 hours a day glued to the screen. Monitoring the screen time is a must for the kids.

According to WHO; screen time for various age groups are as follows:

Screen time has taken over our lives today and most families are affected by this. Kids are keeping their noses buried in their devices and are missing out on seeing the world. Now, ‘Family time’ involves everyone sitting around in the living room staring at their smartphones.

So, for all those kids (and adults) having an addiction for their devices, a digital detox could help. Unplugging from technology for a brief period could be just the break your family need to develop some healthier habits.

Here are a few ways to help you through the process of digital detox:

Family Media Plan- Develop a media use plan for you and your family.  Media plan should be planned and chosen according to the need of each family and within your family values.

Screen-free zones – demarcate screen-free zones in your house. For example, no screen in the bedroom or the dining room or kitchen.

Screen-free times – keep meal times screen free. Avoid using phones or television while having a meal.

Device curfews– decide a time when all devices are switched off. Bedtime is a good time for switching off all your devices including television, laptops and phones.

Avoid watching any screen 90 minutes before going to sleep. In case the kid wants to watch his favourite cartoon or movie, make sure he watches it on the big screen and from a distance. This will cause less harm.

Set a time limit – Kids shouldn’t watch more than 30 mins of television a day. Let them choose their favourite cartoon or programme and let them watch that completely. Phones or tablets, when watched for longer periods, makes them irritable and cranky. Restrict phone use to 15 mins at a stretch. Tell them to take a break after 15 mins. Divert them to another activity.

Avoid using technology as an emotional pacifier – Media can be very effective in keeping kids calm and quiet, but it should not be the only way they learn to calm down. Children should be taught to identify and handle strong emotions. When going to a mall or a restaurant, try carrying your child’s favourite toy along. Try calming him down by singing his/her favourite rhyme. Beware of your child’s moods. If you know your child gets hungry at a particular time of the day, carry his favourite snack along. Or if he sleeps at a particular time of the day then plan your outing before or after his sleep hours.

Not a solution for Boredom – another reason why we hand our phones to the kids! Come up with activities to manage boredom, puzzles, books, creativity. There are so many options. Once in a while, giving your phone is ok but don’t make it as a habit. As we know technology is an addiction, you never know when it will destroy our child.

Replace Screen Time With Outdoor Activities- Prior to the tech revolution, kids played outside for most of the time. But now, the lure of fancy devices are keeping kids glued to their screens during their spare time.

If you take away electronics, your child might struggle to find something else to do and this boredom could lead to more outdoor play or creative work.

There are many benefits of outside play and physical exertion, for example; running around releases energy and helps the kid be less active indoors. It also helps them sleep better.

Studies also show green spaces—playing in the grass or around trees—improves attention span and reduces stress. Other studies have linked outdoor play to improved problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and safety skills.

• Create a family charging station –  Allocate a place where everyone can leave their phone and tablet device when they’re not in use. Get into a routine of doing this with your own devices and your children will automatically copy you.

Most importantly, be ready to ‘practice what you preach’

• Be a good role model – Adopt the same rules like the ones you’re insisting your children follow. If you tell your child to turn off their devices while you are focused on your mobile or laptop screen, your words won’t be effective. So, participate and enjoy a digital detox with your child. It will be healthy for the whole family to step away from electronics for a short time.