It’s so easy to develop an addiction. Especially one that’s as common as being dependent on technology. Many parents wonder as they watch their children use tablets, phones, and tvs every single day, if this really is an addiction. Luckily, “Today’s Parent” has created a video listing 9 common signs of screen addiction. You can view the video here: https://youtu.be/0Me0Tn22ZHk.
The Signs
While the video lists 9 signs that suggest your child may have a screen addiction, I will only discuss a few. There are obvious signs that are easy to spot such as lack of interest in other activities, or frustrating evenings when no tablets are allowed, but what about some of the more subtle signs? Is your child constantly talking about their tablet games? Or refuses to engage in conversation? These signs are often overlooked or thought of as “kids just being kids” when really these are the more serious symptoms of screen addiction.
How to Prevent Addiction
There are many ways to prevent your children from developing a screen addiction. One of the most obvious being limiting screen time. However, there are other ways that will keep your child’s technology usage in check. Try leading by example, by limiting YOUR (the parent’s) amount of time using tablets, phones, and tv. Also try to encourage non technological hobbies like playing board/card games. Oftentimes kids and even adults get so involved in the game that they forget to check their phones. And if games aren’t your liking, try reading a book, making crafts, or having a photography session with an “old” style camera. Oh and there are always traditional sports, which don’t require technology. Most children use tablets and technology to have fun and socialize. The point is to show your child that there are ways to do these things without the screens.
Unplug
If you’ve watched the video and you think your child is addicted to screen time, don’t panic just yet. Like with all addiction, there are ways to quit. It’s important that you, as the parent, stand strong. Encourage your kids to adopt non-technological hobbies as mentioned above, but also begin to wean them off the screens. Remember it won’t be easy. Start by setting a timer for a certain amount of minutes or hours, and tell yourself and your child that when the timer goes off, no more screen time. Each week you should decrease your child’s amount of screen time so that the process is gradual. This method can also be reversed, having your child spend at least 1 hour doing a “non-technology” activity daily. Then, gradually increasing the time spent on non-technology activities. The details should be manipulated depending upon the situation but the important thing is that the change is slow and gradual.
LIS 4022 Spring 2020 