14 Very Important Things Parents MUST Do To Prevent Gadget Addiction in Kids!

Addiction of gadgets in kids is real. Yes, from using them as pacifiers to exposing your child to them for educational purposes, there are a ton of reasons you let your child use a gadget. As parents, we rely a lot on gadgets to keep the kids entertained, too. However, as they say, too much of anything—good or bad—can be harmful, and so is the case with gadgets as well! Kids as young as two and three years old are proficient in using gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and computers. While this proficiency can be a boon as it helps in both physical and cognitive development, the downside is too big to ignore!

How to Know If Your Child Is Addicted to Gadgets?

Gadget addiction is easy to spot, but you need to know what to spot. Here are some tell-tale signs that indicate gadget addiction in children.

• Constant use of gadgets.
• Mood swings and argumentative behavior when questioned about screen time.
• Lack of interest in other activities.
• Lying or sneaky behavior to use gadgets.
• Withdrawal symptoms like tantrums, mood swings, and denial

Disadvantages of Excessive Exposure to Gadgets

Too much usage of gadgets can result in your child becoming addicted to them, which can have a wide variety of effects on your child, including:

• Lack of interest in the development of real-life practical skills
• Lack of focus or concentration on any task except when it’s done on a gadget
• Poor time management and eating habits

14 Ways to Prevent Gadget Addiction in Kids

How to keep your child away from gadgets? It is very tough to overcome an addiction, even as an adult. This is why some preventive measures are necessary to ensure that your child doesn’t face such an addiction at all! With the widespread use of gadgets everywhere, it’s imperative to put these measures in place immediately:

1. Lead by Example

Children will always follow what their parents do, not what their parents say. If they see you spending a lot of your time on gadgets, they will do the same. Instead, lead by example and focus on cultivating healthy habits for yourself (like reading, cycling, etc.) so as to encourage your kids to follow the same habits. At the very least, try to limit the time you spend on gadgets (especially the phone!) when in the vicinity of your child.

2. Be Strict With Rules

As a responsible parent, you need to ensure your child has a healthy lifestyle and healthy habits. Make tough decisions and put your foot down on limiting unhealthy habits like too much TV/computer time, no matter the pleading and cajoling. Make sure to explain the reasoning behind your decision to them.

A good thumb rule is NO screen time for kids under 18 months and ONE hour per day for kids between 2 and 5 years. Beyond this, try to limit screen time as much as possible (especially digital media) and do not let it exceed 2-3 hours per day at the very maximum. This includes TV, laptops, gaming, and mobile phone usage. These guidelines are as per the new norms by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

3. Set a Daily Limit on Screen Time

Allocate an appropriate amount of screen time for your child, irrespective of the gadget (based on the guidelines discussed in #2). Give your child the option to watch TV, use the computer, etc. and let him choose what time of the day he wants to use the gadgets. This gives him a sense of freedom and involves him in making decisions too.

4. Involve Kids in Other Activities

To limit gadget addiction, it is important to use different resources within your child’s reach that pique their curiosity. Involve your child in enriching activities like read-aloud sessions, sports sessions, board games, arts and crafts, etc.

5. Limit the Number of Gadgets in the House

When buying gadgets, try to limit the total number of gadgets in the house, keeping usability and affordability in mind. The kids don’t really need the latest version of every game or laptop. Try to be strict with this right from the very beginning, and for yourself, too! Also, try and limit the number of visible gadgets in the house. For example, that game can remain in the playroom cupboard throughout the day until playtime.

6. Spend More Time With Your Kids

This may sound too simplistic, but studies have proved that kids who find themselves with a lot of alone time are more likely to get attached/addicted to gadgets. So, take the initiative to spend more time with your kids and do things that interest them – from playing with dolls to playing hide and seek. It might take quite a lot of effort on your end – but it is sure to pay off.

7. Avoid Using Gadgets as Crutches

It is easy to hand your child a cell phone or turn on the TV to keep him occupied and get your own work done. However, the little things matter more than you think – after a point, these gadgets might become an addiction that distracts your child from other activities! Instead, be involved, ask what they want to do and listen to what they have to say. Try to enlist the help of your partner, parents, or paid help when needed.

8. Maintain ‘Gadget-Free’ Areas and Time During the Day

From the dining table at dinner time to the playroom, certain areas of the house should be marked as ‘gadget free’. Here, the whole family is not allowed to use any gadgets at all. This will ensure your child understands the importance of other activities in relation to gadgets.

9. Monitor the Content Your Child Consumes on Gadgets

Make sure that the content your child consumes, including video games and cartoons, is child-appropriate. Use this opportunity to communicate with your child about values and morals. This is particularly important in the context of how violence, women and problem-solving are depicted in gaming.

10. Praise Your Child’s Efforts

Finally, it is important to praise your child’s efforts when he prioritises other activities over screen time of his own accord. Praising positive behaviour will encourage your child to continue doing it!

11. Keep Gadgets in Less Accessible Places

Keeping entertainment devices in places in the house that are not easily accessible to kids can be a good way to keep a cap on their usage and keep them away from gadget addiction. 

12. Begin With Changing the Routine With Interactive Activities

Breaking the addiction is very difficult in the early phase. Make sure you replace their gadget time with some so exciting and interactive that they forget their need for a screen. You can add an evening walk or roller skating activity to the routine or enrol them in some musical instrument learning activity.

13. Replace the Gadget Time With Household Chores Time

Setting up duties and responsibilities around the house when children are the most on their entertainment devices is another way of avoiding gadget addiction in kids.

14. Have Complex Passwords in Gadgets

Adding passwords on devices can be an extreme way, but it is effective in keeping children away from screens.

FAQs

1. How to handle the wrath of children when you prevent them from accessing gadgets?

It is imperative for children to protest if you limit their device usage. However, it is important to not lose your cool and be patient with the process. Handle their anger with a gentle approach, and make them understand why you are doing it. You can even add a reward system in play if they stay obedient.

2. When should we get the professional help?

If your little one behaves very extreme when their gadget use is hindered and if any of the prevention methods fail to be effective, then it is time to consult a professional for personal guidance. You can consult your little one’s school counsellor or a child psychologist for better guidance.

Do you have any other tips to prevent and control gadget addiction in kids? Share your thoughts with fellow moms in the comments below.

Also Read:

Top Safety Rules for Kids at Home
Bad Effects of Electronic Devices on Kids
At What Age Should Your Child Get a Cell Phone?
Why Parents Need to Limit Their Screen Time Too!