HOW TO REDUCE SMARTPHONE USE BY CHILDREN?

I have already discussed the dangers of smartphone addiction in children & adolescents in a separate post.

link- https://sickchild.in/is-your-child-addicted-to-smartphone/

Here we will explore a few tactics you can use to de-addict your child from the smartphone. It is important to note that, the steps are easier to follow in a young child. An adolescent with severe addiction, you may need the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist.

STEPS TO REDUCE SMARTPHONE USE BY CHILDREN

• Strictly follow the AAP guidelines on screen time(see previous post).
• Don’t use a mobile phone as a pacifier for your young child. 
• Don’t use it to distract him /her.
• Don’t start the habit of playing a video while feeding.
• Spend less time with your smartphone. children will learn from you.
• Read books in front of your child instead of scrolling on your smartphone.
• Involve your kid in household activities like- cooking, gardening, etc.
• Encourage them to play outdoors with other kids.
• At home, motivate them to play with toys instead of playing video games. You can also try chess or other mind games( not on a smartphone).
• Engage them in an extracurricular activity- singing, painting, or playing guitar.
• Stop using mobile( or turning on the TV) while dining together.