Actually, there are many things that children can learn through gadgets, from how to dance to how to make all kinds of crafts. In addition, gadgets can also be a means of entertainment for children because there are various games that can be played.
However, if you play gadgets too often, especially without supervision, children can get addicted to gadgets, you know, Bun. This can have a negative impact on the growth and development and social life of children.
Overcome Gadget Addiction in Children in This Way
The following are steps that can be applied to overcome gadget addiction in children:
1. Be a good example for children
Children often take lessons from their surroundings, including the habit of using their parents' gadgets. If Mother still often plays gadgets in front of her, Little One will also imitate this habit. So from now on, try not to be busy with gadgets while you're with your little one, OK, Bun.
2. Limit and supervise the use of gadgets in children
To overcome gadget addiction for your little one, time to access gadgets must be limited, yes. Mother can give 1-2 hours a day for your little one to use gadgets. Apart from that, keep an eye on your little one when playing with gadgets, so that he doesn't access pornographic or violent content.
In applying this limitation, Mother needs to be firm, yes. Train your little one to ask permission first before playing gadgets and return them properly after they are finished using them. Keep the gadget in a place where the Little One doesn't know so he can't use it without Mother's permission.
3. Make fun activities with children
Make fun activities to keep your little one's mind distracted from gadgets. Mothers can invite your little one to go cycling or go for a morning run, cook together, draw or color together, or do gardening in the yard.
Apart from that, take your little one to the park near the house so he can play with his peers. If necessary, Mother can invite children in the neighborhood to visit the house and play with the Little One. Apart from making him forget about gadgets, this method can improve your little one's social interactions.
4. Set a gadget-free area at home
You can designate gadget-free places in the house, for example the dining room, family room or bedroom. This means that while in this room, no one is allowed to use gadgets. Make sure Mom and Dad also obey these rules, OK?
5. Tell children the dangers of using gadgets for too long
Mother can discuss the risk of obesity or eye pain if your little one sits more often playing gadgets and rarely plays outside the house. In addition, explain to your little one in easy language that gadgets and the internet can be dangerous places for him, especially if your little one also plays on social media.
There is no problem discussing bad people acting through social media, as long as you also discuss together how to avoid this problem, for example by agreeing that the use of gadgets must always be monitored. Make sure your little one feels safe and doesn't worry too much.
You really need to do the steps above to limit the use of your little one's gadgets. However, try not to scold or shout at your little one when he is nagging. Instead of understanding Mother's intentions, the Little One can actually experience trauma which can interfere with his mental health.
Keep in mind that your little one may not immediately agree and get used to these new rules regarding gadgets. So, you need extra patience to compromise with him. Also make sure other family members work together to help Mother in this matter, OK?
If after implementing the steps above your little one still can't get away from the gadget or maybe starting to have difficulty concentrating at school, don't hesitate to take your little one to a psychologist so he can get the right treatment to overcome gadget addiction.
