One of the biggest challenges for parents these days is to manage and monitor their child’s use of technology. Like it or not, technology is a vital part of our lives. Although it has many advantages, the dangers of unmonitored and unregulated screen times have resulted in parents being in constant fear of the effects these digital devices will have on their children.

Even though you want to do the right thing for your kids, it is incredibly stressful to communicate this to a child. Never-ending battles that emerge from simple rules like ‘no phones on the dinner table,’ have parents stressed out and worried because if putting one’s foot down doesn’t get the desired results, what else can be done?

Here are some tips on how parents can communicate with their children to find a safe middle-ground on the use of technology in their homes.

1. Set the Example You Want Them to Follow

Children are not the only ones who find it difficult to put their phones down or turn off their screens. Almost everyone who uses technology has been held captive by it one way or another.  It is not useful to tell your child to turn off their screens while you are scrolling through the news on your phone. You need to model the behaviour you want them to follow, and that means limiting your own technology use to set a good example for them to follow.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

It is really important to be clear on how much technology your children are allowed to have. As you may have experienced, one hour on a gaming device or phone may feel like 5 minutes. This results in children pleading for more time, and before you know it, their screen time is likely to make you cringe. Set clear rules around what does and what times they are able to access technology. Furthermore, what are some clear expectations that they need to comply with before hand. This may be, emptying out their school bag, readying for 15 minutes, or finishing their homework. To avoid arguments, give children plenty of warning before their tech time is up by counting down.

3. Be Consistent

Whether it is an app with children poems that help them learn their ABCs or just a children’s video game, the use of technology is encouraged by everyone around them when they are young. It is very confusing for children who are handed screens to keep them occupied when their parents are busy, and then later told to let go of their screens when the parents feel like they are becoming too dependent on them. Set out directives for screen-time in your house and stick to them. The key is to be consistent with your rules if you do not want your child to be addicted to them.

4. Provide Them with Alternatives

Children find it extremely hard to let go of technology and change the habit of being glued to their screens. Simply telling them to put them down will not work because their addiction is strong, and they have no incentive to do so.

They have grown up dependent on their screens, and to pull them away from that dependency, you need to provide them with alternatives that pique their interest. It might be hard at first, but engaging them in fun activities and spending time with them can significantly help with this transition. Outdoor activies, games, and creative ideas are a great start.

Tiny Terrors provide in-home parenting and behaviour support services. You can schedule an appointment by contacting us at 1300 001 414 and discuss your individual requirements.