Tips So That Children Are Not Addicted To Smartphones

Illustration (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - During the COVID-19 pandemic a number of schools conducted online teaching and learning activities. As a result, children hold more smartphones, aka gadgets. This makes children addicted to devices.

Even though this will cause new problems for children, such as mental disorders. As the world health agency (WHO) in 2018 determined device addiction as a mental health disorder.

This problem will certainly worry parents. To fix this, see tips so that children don't get addicted to gadgets when online school from the following VOI team!

1. It is not recommended to give full access

Try to put the television or computer in the living room. So that every child who wants to use it, they are not alone and are still under the supervision of family members.

Meanwhile, mobile devices or devices should not be left entirely to the child. Get used to so that children ask permission first if they want to use it.

2. Apply time limits of use

By limiting the rules for using gadgets, parents can prevent their children from becoming addicted to gadgets, because they can spend other time playing with friends or studying.

Please note, parents can overcome the use of devices according to the recommendations of their age group. The American Academy of Pediatrics publishes screen time guidelines such as the following:

- Children under 2 years of age: not allowed to play on their own gadgets, including TVs, cellphones and tablets.

- Children 2 to 4 years of age: less than an hour a day using gadgets.

- Meanwhile, ages 5 years and over: should not exceed two hours a day for recreational use (excluding learning needs).

3. Teach or try to refrain from children

We can still fix and change the mindset of children, for that parents can make sure to always give praise to children when they manage to refrain from playing games on gadgets and follow the established rules.

4. Be assertive

When children are addicted to gadgets it can make them tantrums or go berserk if their favorite device is taken. But as parents, they must remain firm in implementing the newly created rules in limiting time to play gadgets.

You need to make sure that you as a parent do not feel sorry for the whining of a child who wants to keep asking to play with his gadget.

Children need time to get away from gadgets. However, reducing the time for playing gadgets in children can be done slowly and do not rush.

5. Be a Good Example for Children

It is common knowledge that children will always imitate what their parents do. For that, parents must also be good examples, put down their cellphones and play with their little ones.

Don't let father and mother forbid children to play gadgets, but they themselves still stick to gadgets. The prohibition will not bear fruit if there is no wise attitude from his own parents.

6. Increase the activities outside or inside the house that are useful

By increasing children's activities at home and outside the home, it can grab children's attention and forget their gadgets.

Parents can invite their children to jog or cycle on holidays, invite children to cook together, or visit relatives' houses. Do any activity that makes children active again. However, it should be noted that as much as possible all activities should have education for children. So playing can simultaneously learn to become more knowledgeable for them.