By Dr. Jetson Satya Gospel
Let me start this discussion with a quote by Gordon B. Hinckley: “Encourage your children to read more and watch television less”.
The Times of India, a news publication, recently published a two-part series about how children’s addiction to online gaming is turning them into criminals. In one instance, a child stole Rs 4.5 lakh from his family to pay for the game, while in the other, the child killed his own mother. According to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, instances involving children’s psychological health have significantly increased (NIMHANS). Despite the worry surrounding these challenges, we can raise them with optimism if we take responsible action.
Here are some helpful suggestions to help your child de-addict from television and phone:
Take this acronym “ADDICTION” to be the answer to move children to safety zone offline.
A for Attitude: When parents at home start to adopt a new attitude, kids will soon follow. Be a role-model yourself which you want your kids to emulate.
D for Disconnect: Disconnect from devices and increase interaction with people for work and play. Spend time at home, with each other more and less with phones and devices.
D for Distance: Distance your children from devices. Shut off the TV in the background. Keep the phones out of sight.
I for Imbibe books: Imbibe the practice of reading printed books rather than e-books. Prefer books over cartoons.
C for Communication: Communicate with your children more. Interact with your friends face to face more.
T for Target: Have a target of zero phone time for children under 18 months, and 15 minutes per day for children under 4 years. Thereafter, no more than an hour of time with devices including TV, Computer and Phone, for up to 6 years of age.
I for Invite: Invite your child’s friends to play physical games outdoors.
O for Oxygen: The much needed oxygen intake increases when you engage in activities outdoors. Walk, run and enjoy the outdoors.
N for No: Say NO to devices during eating & sleep time, firmly.
Avoiding phones and devices is the best practice. During the times that you must use devices, pay attention to keeping your children away from fast moving images and harmful content. The latter can be achieved by certain child safety settings on your phones and devices. Consider going offline before giving the devices to your kids under 6 years. That will also help reduce the exposure to radiation.
References
- https://www.quotemaster.org/children%27s+television
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/online-gaming-addiction-is-turning-children-violent/articleshow/92094915.cms?from=mdr
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/parenting/teen/tips-to-help-your-child-withdraw-from-digital-addiction/articleshow/92977357.cms?from=mdr
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/study-play-sleep-repeat/articleshow/90947810.cms?from=mdr