Keep Children Away From Mobile Phones: The use of mobile phones, iPads or televisions has become common in our lives. Whether it is talking to friends or family, shopping or playing video games, reading the latest news or reading a comment regarding entertainment, we all use mobile phones or tablets.

Even today’s children use mobile phones or iPads in school. In all these situations, we are forced to think about how important ‘screen time’ is for our children?

The Impact of Screen Time on Children

According to a report by the Indiana website ‘Health Partner‘, in the new era, it has become necessary to give children information about modern technology. But we also need to ensure that our children are not completely dependent on the mobile phone screen or tablet.

Although there are games and resources on the internet and applications, with the help of which we can get educational information. But there are very few chances that such information can help in the cognitive development of a young child.

Keep Children Away From Mobile Phones

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), excessive use of mobile phone screens actually has negative effects. These include poor academic performance, obesity, and negative behavior in children.

That is why children should play outdoor games or play in the field outside the house for at least 60 minutes. This improves children’s balance, social skills, language, and other qualities.

A common complaint from parents is that our children are busy using TV, iPad, or mobile phones all day and we have not stopped this habit from them.

Here are 9 ways to keep children away from mobile phones

So our question to you is, what will you do during such a time? What activities would you advise children to engage in so that their development can be improved and they stay away from mobile phones? Let’s start and learn!

1. Set the Right Example – Limit Your Own Mobile Phone Usage

It may not seem like it, but children pay attention to the activities happening around them. Parents often tell their children, “Don’t do what I do, do what I say.” But that’s not enough.

Is there a rule in your house that says children shouldn’t use their mobile phones during lunch and dinner? This means parents can’t use Facebook or Instagram during these times either.

Parents’ Phone Use vs. Child Development

A study shows that the more parents use their mobile phones, the less they can focus on their children’s development. To make your child more aware of the world, you need to give them different opportunities in society.

Plan outdoor games, teach your children new skills and abilities. for example, activities like biking, swimming, camping, art and craft will be very beneficial.

2. Encourage Outdoor Activities to Balance Screen Time

Electronic games and educational TV programs will help to develop the child’s mind, but remember, this will tire the brain. In such a situation, the solution is to show your children natural scenery, take them to your neighborhood or go to a park once a day or once a week.

If you can go hiking, it is best, this will keep the child’s mind calm.

3. Promote Indoor Learning with Books and Fun Activities

Now it is not necessary that all activities should be outside the house, you can do a lot inside the house too. For example, during the school holidays of the children, you should give them a list of books and encourage them to read.

There are also some rules for reading, do not give your children books from around the world, but books based on speech skills, logical thinking will be effective.

Along with this, when you get the opportunity, read comic books to the children.

4. Encourage Playtime for Better Social and Mental Development

If children play, their mental development will increase, try to take the children to the park. Give the children the opportunity to play with their friends.

• Outdoor games (football, cricket, etc.) are great for physical and mental health.
• Board games and puzzles enhance children’s thinking skills.
• Teamwork-based games improve social skills.

The advantage of this will be that good relationships will be formed between the children. Such activities will also increase the skills of the children.

5. Plan Weekly Family Outings to Reduce Screen Time

Try to go somewhere once a week. If it is difficult to choose a place to go, you can use a map. Do research and definitely take advice from your family. This way, children will stay away from mobile phones and will be able to spend time with their family.

6. Involve Children in Household Chores to Build Responsibility

Helping with household chores can also improve children’s development, but how? We tell you, make a list of household chores on a piece of paper. Hand this list to your child and ask them to do all the tasks on the list.

For example, making the bed, putting things in their place in the room, etc. This way, you will also be able to save yourself time and create a sense of responsibility in the child.

7. Keep Mobile Phones Out of Bedrooms for Better Sleep

Keep mobile phones out of children’s rooms, night sleep is very important for children’s mental and physical health. According to research, having a mobile phone nearby while sleeping at night affects your sleep.

8. Set a Smart Schedule for Limited Mobile Phone Use

Limiting the use of mobile phones does not mean banning electronic devices. Know that excessive use of mobile phones can deactivate your child’s brain. Therefore, a strategic schedule is necessary.

Do not use mobile phones in the morning hours because your mind is fresh at that time.

For Example:

• Avoid morning phone use: The mind is fresh at this time.
• Use phones in the afternoon: When the sun is at its peak, and children are often indoors.
• Limit the duration: 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
• Hide devices before bedtime: At least 2 hours before sleeping, keep phones away.

The best time to use mobile phones is in the afternoon, when the sun is at its hottest and children are already tired. Aim for only 30 minutes or an hour for children to use mobile phones.

Remember to hide all electronic devices at least two hours before bedtime.

9. Allow Free Time to Foster Creativity and Independent Thinking

If you are always busy with different activities, remember to also set aside some time to rest.  Boredom helps stimulate creativity. So don’t be afraid to leave time on your calendar to relax.

Talk to your children about when they are not busy, and encourage them to think and understand for themselves during this time.

In Conclusion:

Can we better balance our children’s screen time?
Today’s article has shown us that technology has its advantages and disadvantages.

So parents and teachers need to work together to balance children’s screen time so that they can stay healthy and happy.