Nowadays parents looking for different ways to control Mobile and Television usage of child and minimize screen time
It’s Covid time, many children got strangled in front of Television screens and mobile screens after the lockdown. It wasn’t a surprise when the parents who are working from home removed all the restrictions. In the middle of this crisis, online classes started as well. The people who used to oppose mobile phones and television are now asking children to purchase the latest gadgets. In this post-modern time, parents are confused and doubtful about the online learning and play time of their children. Here we discuss how to control Mobile and Television usage of child and minimize screen time
How to control the screen time of your child?
Here are certain instructions that can be followed to minimize the use of television and mobile phones, etc.
The screen time for children above 2 years as per the guidelines should not be more than 1-2 hours. It’s better to avoid screen time for children below 2 years.
How to plan a day while checking the screen time?
After education turned to be part of online, usage of phones, laptops, and TVs has increased tremendously. The usage of mobiles and laptops for entertainment purposes- games, social media and all will exceed the screen time.
But parents should make sure that it should not be a continuous process. Make a timetable that will have a mix of on-screen learning and games along with off-screen learning and games.
How to be a role model to your child?
It won’t be good if a parent who is always spending time on the screen will ask a child to stop using mobile phones. The screen time of the parent has a direct link to the child’s screen time. So make sure that the parents reduce screen time and do other off-screen things like reading or games.
Should we play television to control the child?
People who are not aware of the problematic side of over-screen time tend to entertain it. Most of the time people do it to keep the children in one place without any trouble to them. Some play schools do it and if you notice things like that immediately inform the officials about it.
Is it okay to feed the child while showing them a video?
Most people complain that “My child will eat only if they watch a video on a mobile device.” Screen time in most cases starts with this one habit. It not only increases the usage of mobile phones but also makes the eating process very mechanical. Parents should understand that there is a stark difference between enjoying eating by knowing the taste, and smell of the food and eating without realizing that you are eating at all.
When to give a mobile to a child?
It’s important to pay attention to the time and when you are giving the phone to a child.
The screen should be avoided before sleeping and while having food. Excessive use of tv and mobile phones can lead to a lack of sleep and obesity.
What to do to improve physical health?
An increase in screen time leads to a lack of physical work. Encourage off-screen games to reduce mobile-tv usage. Children won’t learn the skills of communication and relationship through increased screen time. Games like football, and ball-passing increase communication and physical strength. Parents should be role- models to their children.
Is it okay to give phones to control a crying child? What to do if the child is not letting you watch TV?
It is important to understand that if you fall prey to a child’s cry and give a phone or TV channel to pacify the child, then you are setting an example to the child that the parents are weak when we cry. So it’s better not to give phones to control a crying child.
The second issue that almost all families with a child are facing is, “ My child won’t allow us to watch any other channel other than Kid’s channel.” Parents should spend time repeating and teaching the child that things like a phone and TV are for everyone. Try to follow a schedule to use them and make sure that everyone in the family follows the same too. It’s not wise to let children’s cries cheat you.
What to do to reduce Mobile addiction in children?
Start with reducing screen time and teaching them new skills. They may show reluctance in the beginning, but it will change once they start enjoying the new ways. It won’t be wise to prohibit the use of mobiles or TV without finding an alternative that may interest your child.
What to do if there is a mobile addiction problem in children?
Sometimes, mobile addiction can even lead to the distortion of everyday activities especially, with various mobile games, and video games. Do not hesitate to get professional help if the addiction leads to sleeplessness, lack of hunger, headaches, lack of interest in education, or even start social distancing in children.
