10 WAYS TO PREVENT  DIGITAL ADDICTION DURING THE PANDEMIC

 In the present age of technology and the current scenario, the usage  of computers and other gadgets has become inevitable. Digital learning has replaced traditional classrooms and children are required to use digital equipment like laptops, tablets, mobile phones etc..However, due to this requirement, gadget usage while still not an addiction is definitely a compulsion for the children today. As we all know excess of anything could be detrimental  for the body and mind. Over indulgenc or exposure to  gadgets could lead to gadget addiction and it is very difficult to undo the impact. Gadget addiction can have an adverse affect on the cognitive and social-emotional development of children.

AFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE EXPOSURE TO SCREENS

1.      Emotional issues such as irritability and frustration

2.      Aggressive /Impulsive behaviour

3.      Poor social skills

4.      Poor communication skills

5.      Vision problems

6.      Procrastination

7.      Poor muscle tone

8.      Eating disorders

9.      Obesity

10.  Lethargy

11.  Poor academic performance

12.  Lack of interest in other activities

The good news is there are ways to prevent and cope with the problem.

1.      MODELLING-Children usually tend to emulate elders and follow them. If adults in the house spend a lot of time with gadgets,  children will have a good reason to do so.  Parents and other adults should curtail the usage of gadgets and lead by example.

2.      LIMIT  SCREEN TIME- You can restrict screen time by having a schedule and fixing the amount of time you, as a family, spend time with gadgets.  Yes, it is necessary to check our phone from time to time for important notifications but that need not be constant.  You can leave your phone unattended for half an hour or so. You can restrict the usage of laptops and tablets for digital learning and academic purposes. Screen time should be limited to 2-3 hours per day. Try and limit the number of gadgets your child has access to .

3.      HOUSEHOLD CHORES – Try and engage the children in household chores like laying the table,  putting back things, dusting the furniture and appliances, folding clothes, watering plants, filling water bottles, mopping the floor,  kneading dough,  chopping vegetables and so on depending  on their age and ability. Explain why they need to do it and ask politely rather imposing and insisting.

4.      SPEND TIME- Children are our priority and responsibility. They need your time and attention. In between your work,  take short breaks and talk to the children, listen to them and ask how they feel.  We usually tend to allow them to use gadgets when  we are unable to give them time. You can play board games  and engage in art and craft activities with them as and when possible. In case there are grandparents around you should encourage the children to spend time with them. Grandparents are good at communicating with children and enjoy doing so. 

5.      PHYSICAL ACTIVITY- Engage the children in physical activities such as zumba,  dance, yoga, hopscotch, aerobics,  cycling, table tennis and badminton if space permits.

6.      BOOK READING- Reading books should be a part of your daily routine to encourage children to inculcate the habit. Avoid eBooks and kindle.  If adults in the house have the inclination towards reading and share their knowledge,  children will be motivated to read. It is good idea to do pair reading with children.

7.      DIY ACTIVITES- When you are unable to give them time, provide the children with a lot of material  and let them experiment with DIY activities.  You can give them things like paper cups, paper plates, straws, plastic spoons,  ice cream sticks,  cotton balls, buttons, rubber bands,  old business cards, newspaper and of course stationery items like glue, scissors tape pencils sketch pens etc. Children usually like to engage in hands on activities and they are sure to come up with something creative. You can organise them in boxes and containers so that  the kids can put them back easily.

8.      .COMMUNICATION- Positive communication is very essential for the social -emotional well being of children.  You should communicate more often with the children so that they feel connected. You may not be able to have long conversations with them but try and listen to them for a few minutes even though you are busy. This  gives them a sense of priority. At  some point, during the day, make it a point to have a short conversation with the children about what they would like to do the next day apart from studies.

9.      NATURE WALK- If possible, take them out or to the terrace and let them spend some time outdoors. You can go to a nearby park as well.  Of course, you need to prepare them for social distancing and other precautions to be followed when you go out.

10.  POSITION OF THE COMPUTER-  Long hours in front of the screen could lead to eye strain and neck pain. To  reduce eye strain, the ideal computer screen position is at a 10 to 15 degree angle below eye level, assuming your child is sitting straight up and looking straight ahead. The top of the computer screen should be at eye level so your child can scroll down with his eyes rather than looking up and down and straining their neck. Place the laptop / Computer/ Tablet in the common area  to facilitate monitoring the child’s online learning.

Considering our time constraints, it may not be easy to implement all these suggestions but it is worth trying. In case of teenagers, we need to explain the consequences and long term impact of excessive use of gadgets. Negotiation and persuasion works better than threats and confiscation. Positive reinforcement can often  be used to encourage self restraint and self discipline. 

Thank you!! Stay safe!! Stay calm!!