Check out these tips and prevent your child from becoming addicted to their cell phone. They are very simple!
Parents often give their children a cell phone, but end up losing track of how much time they are allowed to use the device. Children can end up spending too much time on their cell phones, which can cause a number of health and development problems. It is essential that parents take their children's age into consideration and take certain precautions to ensure healthy and responsible use of technology, since cell phones are not toys.
According to experts, prolonged screen time, especially when the device is kept at a reduced distance from the eyes, increases the risks to spinal health, increasing the chances of pain in the region. A survey conducted by the São Paulo State Research Support Foundation with more than 1,600 students aged 14 to 18, shows that they reported having felt pain in some region of the spine in the last year.
The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics stipulates a maximum of three hours of screen time per day for adolescents aged 11 to 18 and recommends that this time be distributed throughout the day. To achieve this, parents should help control the use of screens by analyzing how their children use their devices, as well as checking the content they access and researching all the consequences that excessive screen use can cause.
Learn more about this topic and find out how to prevent children from becoming addicted to their cell phones.
Excessive cell phone use
According to neuropediatricians, the excessive cell phone use by adolescents can significantly impact neural development and mental well-being. Excessive gaming and social media use triggers a reward system in the brain, which can cause some children and adolescents to get addicted. The release of dopamine generates a feeling of well-being, which can lead to increased use of the device.
High levels of dopamine cause other parts of the brain to be affected, such as the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning behavior and making decisions. This excessive use can also lead to a decrease in the ability to concentrate, which can interfere with the performance of other activities, in addition to academic performance.
Therefore, it is essential that parents play the role of setting limits and providing constant guidance on the appropriate use of devices. To do this, they can provide some essential precautions for the healthy use of cell phones by their children.
Care
1 – Set usage limits
Set specific times of day when your child can use their cell phone, such as before dinner or after finishing schoolwork. It is ideal to limit the time spent using the phone to one hour per day.
2 – Supervise online activities
It is ideal for parents to use apps or parental controls to monitor the websites their children visit. This will ensure a safer environment on the internet.
3 – Educate about internet safety
It is essential to talk about not sharing personal information and explain the dangers of cyberbullying, as well as instructing them on what to do if they encounter an uncomfortable situation online.
4 – Become an example
Have a balanced behavior when using your cell phone, avoiding excessive use and prioritizing offline activities, spending quality time with your family.
5 – Build a relationship of trust so that the child feels safe to share situations
Encourage your child to express concerns through calm conversations, showing understanding and offering constructive guidance.
