9 Keys To Digital Disconnection In Children
Many children, after the difficult situation we experienced in March due to the health crisis that affects the whole world, has increased the use of electronic devices (mobile, computer, game console, tablet, etc.), and this worries many fathers. Therefore, below, we are going to see some keys to digital disconnection in children.
The Internet, used rationally, is a very useful tool for studying, consulting information, communicating with family or friends who live far away or cannot see, etc. The problem is that an abuse of these devices has consequences on the mood and emotional and physical health of children.
Keys to digital disconnection in children
We all know that technology has been in charge of bringing us closer in those moments when we could not go to see family and friends. Electronic screens became the only window to the outside and, in addition, now many children must continue to use them, since they cannot go to class in person and have to do so through video calls.
As parents, we must manage their proper use and establish a series of rules to ensure their safety when browsing the internet, among other things. So, we are going to see some keys so that this does not end up being a source of stress for our day to day.
Play with our children
We must spend a little time every day playing with our children. We can do it with board games, puzzles, puzzles, role-playing games in which each one of us will adopt a character, or anything that favors their creativity and imagination.
This time spent playing with our children can become the best of the day for them, since children love to play with their parents.
Involve the little ones in household chores
One way to get them off the screens is to give them some homework appropriate to their age, ability and development, such as tidying up their room, setting the table, helping make a cake or something they can participate in.
In this way, children learn to be responsible and make them feel important, since they are helping at home and, at least during that time, they will be away from the screens.
Promote reading for digital disconnection in children
Every day we will spend a little time reading a story. In this way, your interest in reading will increase. If our family is made up of several members, we can organize a reading club and thus talk among all about some readings they have done, especially in children who already know how to read.
Set a place to use electronic devices
The places where the screens can be used must be in the most social areas of the house, such as the living room or dining room, and they must be used when accompanied. If they use them alone, they can dissociate themselves from reality and, in addition, find some dangers that circulate on the network.
Set parental controls on the devices they use
We must not leave any device within your reach with internet access without having established a parental control. It is very important that, if you use the network, we are present or have this control established for your security.
Always choose content adapted to the age of children
When they access a movie or series, we always have to make sure that it is suitable for their age. Content that is not appropriate for their age can cause problems because they are psychologically unprepared for it.
So, as far as possible, we will try to share with them some daily activity (watching movies or series in streaming , playing a game, etc.).
More keys to digital disconnection in children
Have a conversation with the children and talk to them
We must talk with our children and tell them how important it is to have time for everything, that is, to carry out their tasks at the right time and the limits that we are going to establish with the use of the devices. We always have to adapt our conversation to the age and understanding of the little ones. Remember that you have to be constant and consistent with the limits and rules that we set.
Accept resistance
If it is difficult for adults to limit the time of use of digital content, it is more so for children, whose minds are still immature and easy to captivate. We have to be understanding and give them time to assimilate the changes and for them to be accepted.
Be an example for digital disconnection in children
This may be one of the keys that is most difficult for parents. Who has not taken advantage of the moment of the meal or while the child plays to consult the mobile? This we must avoid. If we don’t, all the effort we have put into following the above tips will be worthless, since children are more receptive to our example than to our instructions.
Ultimately, it is important that we carry out these keys for a successful digital disconnection in children. Do not forget that by progressively reducing the use of electronic devices, you will be protecting your children from disorders such as anxiety or depression, caused by excessive use of screens.
Likewise, another aspect that will be favored is your rest when it is time to sleep, because we will avoid sedentary lifestyle and, in addition, we will protect your eyesight in the long term.
