From a luxury to a necessity, smartphones and gadgets have significantly changed our lives. Everyone has become reliant on screens, which has serious negative effects on our health. Office meetings and children's classes are now conducted online, making it essential to use digital devices. In a lot of cases, children spend more time on screens than adults, leading to irritability and throwing tantrums. If you're concerned about this habit in your child, here are some tips you can consider adopting.

Engage children in activities

Many parents find it challenging to spend sufficient time with their children due to work commitments, leading to increased screen and social media usage. There is no easy way around this, and parents must take out time from their busy schedules to spend quality time with their children. Participating in outdoor games together and enrolling them in sports clubs can provide better alternatives to screen time.

Mobile phone usage

Set specific times for play and study to reduce screen time. This strategy can effectively divert children's attention. This will also help inculcate discipline in your children’s routine. Aside from phone usage, establish meal, study, and bedtime routines to help children follow a consistent schedule.

Talk to your children

This may sound odd, but several parents also can’t find time to sit and talk to their children due to busy work schedules. Knowing about what your child deals with every day is crucial to establish a stronger bond with them. Interact with your children regularly, inquire about their school day, and share details about your own day at work. This will encourage children to spend less time on screens.

Socialize with friends

You can’t find an alternative to school’s online classes, but, if possible, try to encourage your children to engage in activities that excites them to spend time outside rather than on phones. Reduce the screen time to 1-3 hours a day. This can contribute to emotional stability and positively impact children's lives. If they struggle to cultivate self-confidence, help them and show them how they can make friends outside and find activities they love. In this journey, remember to be patient with them.