Learn To Get Children To Use Technology In A Safe Way

When we were children, the new technology we have today was not present. At the very least, technology did not play the leading role it does now. We could not wait to get out to play. After school we just wanted our parents to let us meet some friends, go to the park and run around. A spinning bass, some marbles, or a ball used to be enough to make us happy.

But today the situation seems to have changed. It is common to see that the little ones spend their free time glued to the screens. They start watching TV as soon as the school day is over, and they continue to play with their parents’ tablets or mobile phones. What can we do to prevent children from becoming addicted to technology?

The dangers of being permanently glued to the screen

When we have problems getting a child to do something (such as eating), we turn  to the internet or the TV. We let the children watch some comics so that they do not get bored. It keeps the child quiet. Some may ask, if we achieve our goal when we do it this way, what’s wrong with it? The problem lies in excessive use and addictions.

So in this case, there may be a point where the  child will have tantrums  every time they have to eat, unless we put a screen in front of them. He or she may refuse to eat if they do not have their cartoon on in front of them. What can you do now when the solution is worse than the disease? Herein lies the main point of the case.

The truth is that misuse of technology can end up with children spending hours staring at the screen. They will spend less time doing other activities, such as playing with other children, talking to their family members, resting or studying. Therefore, the quality and quantity of their conditions can drop significantly. They can become completely isolated and lose all social support.

The same thing happens with their characters. They are clearly affected by the lack of time devoted to homework. Finally, as evidenced by the tantrums, a child’s behavior can become disruptive and problematic. Behavioral disorders can even develop.

Parenting is the key to change

The key to avoiding all of the above problems is in our hands – the parents. At home, we can encourage the responsible use of new technology. When used properly, new technologies do not have to be a bad thing. In this way, we will encourage our little ones to utilize them in a balanced and healthy way.

To get children to use electronics as a source of information, learning and entertainment, the first thing we need to do is know what our children are enjoying. If you surf the internet or play a video game with them, you can get in touch with them. It will allow  parents and children to get to know each other  better and communicate better. By doing so, we get to know what other things they like and dislike.

In the same way, we can suggest other activities that they can do in their spare time. For example, we might suggest that they  read a book  on a subject that we already know they are particularly excited about. This would be more effective than encouraging them to read in general. It’s a great way to motivate them to find new ways to have fun. The same goes for sports or whatever else their interests lead them to.

The rules of new technology

But not only this, we must also control the time they spend on technology. As a guideline  , it is recommended that television use be limited to one hour per day. Video games should be played only 3 or 4 hours per week. Therefore, we as parents must set a schedule for these activities, by telling the children when they can and cannot do them.

When it comes to the location of televisions, consoles and computers, it is better if they are located in a place that is accessible to everyone,  not in the children’s room. Then we know what websites they visit on the internet and what type of content they watch on TV.

It is important to make sure that it suits their age. In addition, we will also prevent them from isolating themselves from the rest of the family or not getting enough sleep.

Finally. Remember that there are many ways to  discipline children.  Positive reinforcement and punishment involve all kinds of forms. In this sense, it is better if we do not use new technology for this purpose. If we do, we give them an important role in our children’s lives, and increase their anxiety level when they do not have access to them.