Digital is present in every sphere of our life, it improves our way of life in many ways but can be very addicting if no limits are put in place to control its use. Adults and children alike must learn, as early as possible, to limit themselves so as not to spend endless hours online, which can have bad effects on our mental and physical health and the good of our social relationships.
We share with you 3 great reasons to establish digital rules at home. At the end of this article, you will find a quiz to test your level of screen addiction.
Children are watching you, be a good example!
According to a 2017 study by the Society for the Research of Developing Children (SRCD), 50% of parents admit that the phone interrupts at least 3 times a day the time they spend with their child.
The behavior parents have with screens will significantly influence the behavior that their children will have with tablets and other digital gadgets.
Tips
Observe your use
Observe your behavior with the screens and when you use your phone with family. You have to lead by example. If you are experiencing signs of nomophobia, know that it is possible to take back control over technology!
Family conversation
We recommend that you have a family conversation, to explain to children and adults the importance of limiting screen time, to determine together which moments are reserved for the family and during which external distractions such as the cellphone, tablets, and other digital tools are simply not welcome!
Identify areas where technology is not allowed
For example, you may determine that technology is not permitted at the following places/times: at the table – during family activities – in the bedroom.
Memories are created in real life
If you are used to answering an email or putting a tablet on the table during your meals, it means that technology is way too present in between your family members.
The dining table, the most important place for interaction in a family
It is important to have a meal routine to get together, discuss various topics, laugh, talk about your day. If your child is a toddler, he watches and he listens. This moment allows the development of social links that are woven during a meal, it also plays an educational role with the transmission of family values, the learning of good manners, and the discovery of one’s senses, in particular with the textures and culinary flavors.
It is important to do family activities, create memories together
Set up rituals: evening reading, family games, moving around in nature, participating in household chores. Not putting technology on a pedestal is essential, there are much more fun things to do outside of screens!
Important reminder
Technology was invented to improve our life. It shouldn’t be initiated in precious family moments.
Hyperconnectivity is bad for your health
Spending too much time on screens can be bad for:
– Our body: weight gain, insomnia, blurred vision, etc.
– Our mental health: depression, anxiety, self-esteem problem
– Our social relations: social isolation
Concerning young children, the development of their social skills and their cognitive capacities requires regular interaction with those around them.
A study conducted by researcher Linda Pagani at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center has shown that children old enough to take their first steps, who spend more than 2 hours in front of screens, will have difficulty connecting to others and recognizing the facial expressions of those around him which will reduce his empathy skills. It can also lead to antisocial and aggressive behavior.
Conclusion
Good screen management is crucial for the happiness of your family and your children. Not putting a tablet in your 2-year-old’s hands is not going to set them back compared to others. On the opposite, this will allow him to develop as he should. If you are having trouble finding a balance between online and offline, Vivala Offline can help you find your balance. Download our mobile app on Android (soon on iOS) and you will be able to follow our 30-day digital detox program, available next month also in ebook and paper version.
Photo : Jelleke Vanooteghem
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