Not everyone believes that tech addiction is a real malady, but it's harder to argue that technology isn't playing a huge role in kids' lives.
Phones and tablets have supplemented TVs as electronic babysitters; in restaurants and doctors' offices, in the backseats of cars, on buses, planes, and trains, even on playgrounds, you'll find little faces illuminated by the glow of smart devices—and you'll witness some wicked tantrums when parents deny access to those devices.
If this isn't actual addiction, it bears a strong resemblance. Parents are alarmed both by how much time kids are spending with tech and how hard it is to get them to put the devices down and do homework, play outside, and spend face-to-face time with family and friends.
So how do concerned parents deal with this whatever-you-want-to-call-it? We've culled some advice from authorities. (Oh, and by the way—much of this advice holds up well for tech-addicted adults, too.)
(For more, see How to Tell if You're a Tech Addict.)
1. Set Limits and Stick to Them
Wondering how much screen time your children should be allowed? The World Health Organization recently released updated recommendations: "For 1-year-olds, sedentary screen time (such as watching TV or videos, playing computer games) is not recommended. For those aged 2 years, sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour; less is better." The same (1 hour or less) is recommended for kids from 2 up to 4 years old. Also check the recommended guidelines for how much screen time kids should be allowed from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The more consistent you are in enforcing limits, the easier it'll be on you and on your children.
2. Talk to Your Kids About It
Don't just rely on technology like parental control software; communicate with your kids about their digital-device usage. As Nick Shaw, a VP at Symantec, tells the BBC, children can easily outsmart parents and evade controls. Parents need to explain why the controls are needed and talk about safe online behavior.
3. Be a Role Model
Parents should encourage children to use technology responsibly by doing it themselves. It's no secret that your kids learn by watching you. Make sure you regularly set aside your own screens and engage with your kids (and each other).
4. Create a Family Media Plan
It'll help all of you to be aware of and to control when, where, how, and how much you're using your devices. Set up specific tech-free times and areas within your home, and set app limits with programs like Apple's Screen Time and Android's Digital Wellbeing.
5. Keep Devices Out of the Bedroom
6. Get Outside Help
If your child seems to be experiencing serious negative effects from excessive use of tech, such bad behavior at home, relationship problems, or poor performance at school, they may have other underlying issues (perhaps depression, ADHD, or anxiety). Consider seeking advice and help from your pediatrician or an experienced counselor. A college student PCMag spoke to for our tech addiction feature went to the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction (CITA) in Hartford, Connecticut.
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