The world has become a more technologically advanced place since we were children, and all of the new device availabilities have plenty of parents concerned. Is it healthy for children to use electronics as often as they do, or is their behavior motivated by addiction?
While most children are not addicted to technology, even if they use it often, it’s a good idea to be aware of what to look for and how to come up with healthy tech behaviors for your household.
Observe Behaviors
There’s a broad line between frequently using technology and being addicted to it and determining where your child falls on the spectrum requires observation.
If your child is glued to their phone, tablet, PC, or gaming system, it’s understandable to be concerned, especially if they act undesirably when you request that they give it a break.
Keep an eye out for these behaviors that may indicate addictive issues:
- Moodiness or anger when prevented from using electronics
- Sneakiness when it comes to using electronics
- Withdrawal from regular hobbies and interests
Understand Context
Using technology often does not necessarily indicate addiction. It’s important to understand the context surrounding your child’s usage to come to informed conclusions. For example, if your child attends school online or spends a lot of time studying, their technology usage is probably not rooted in dependency.
However, if everything your child does seems to require the use of electronic devices, it might be time to establish healthy boundaries.
Create Healthy Boundaries
If you feel that your child spends too much time in front of a screen, it’s time to create healthier behaviors around technology. You might want to start with simple limitations like device-free dinners or game nights, and a wind-down period in the evenings in which everyone in the house puts electronics away 30 minutes or more before bed.
Your child probably isn’t going to like this, especially if they’re always using a device, but be firm about your expectations. Requesting that your child spends a couple hours tech-free each day isn’t a lot to ask. Remind your child that there’s a world beyond their screen and let them know that you’d like to spend time with them that’s free from distractions.
Reducing the household’s tech use can create a great opportunity for family bonding.
