MY CHILD IS TECHNO ADDICTED
With the advent of the mobile phone, tablet, computer and video games, in addition to the now old television, many children become addicted, that is: they make excessive use of some of these instruments in a way that hinders their participation in fundamental social and family activities, as well as their integral development.
Some parents, with good reason, worry when they see that their children are paying too much attention to these devices.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT CHILDHOOD TECHNO ADDICTION
Sometimes we parents, given our various occupations and wanting to see our children entertained, allow, and even induce, our children to make use of some electronic device, without awareness of the possible mid term consequences We know that today it would be unthinkable to live without useful tools to communicate, inform, entertain ourselves, and even stimulate concentration and the development of certain skills; but, of course, this should be done without generating dependence.
This means that parents should be aware of some indicators that denote addiction in children, such as:
a) In relation to the internet and cell phone: excessive attention to the device, stopping any activity to attend the mobile, modification of sleep habits, irritability and, in general, behavior that affects the child´s normal personal and school development.
b) Regarding TV: excessive time watching it (up to four hours), isolation, irritability, sedentary lifestyle, lack of concentration and decreased school performance and self- esteem.
HOW TO ADDRESS CHILDHOOD TECHNO ADDICTION
The first thing we have to know is that, despite the multiple activities that we may have, it is critically necessary that we find time to share various activities with our children, among which it is worth mentioning board games, sports, walks, domestic activities, readings, review and guidance of homework, without doing it for them, and other similar activities (Bandura,
1987).
On the other hand, it is also necessary to restrict attention time to any of the electronic devices, as well as their use in certain contexts, such as mealtime and other moments of sharing activities.
It is also necessary to control the content of what children may be watching, so when using the tablet or laptop they must be located so that we can monitor them. In relation to television, it should be seen together, as a family, and parents should select the most formative programs. When you have to agree to watch what children want, do it exercising a critical spirit. Frankly harmful programs should not be allowed (El Nacional, 17/09/15).
Finally, it is essential to prevent dangerous invitations reaching your children through the internet and cell phones; these are intended for sexual abuse or other crimes. It is important to clarify that parental control filters should not be relied on too much, because they sometimes fail (Knobel, 2013).
I conclude by highlighting the importance of modeling, or setting a good example, in this as in so many areas. If we make positive and moderate use of electronic devices and find moments to share with our children, they will most likely imitate us (Bandura, 1987).
In my book WHAT DO I DO NOW? NO ONE TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE A MOM! you’ll find this and 26 other common problems in children from birth to age 12. In relation to this specific topic you can review What should I do if my son is a techno addict?, Modeling behaviors, thoughts and feelings and Establishing rules and imposing limits.
You can also consult in this same Blog Learn by watching and Establishing rules and limits, as well as visit Facebook, and Twitter. I appreciate any observations, questions, suggestions or criticisms you want to make. Your comments will be welcome and I will gladly respond to them.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE:
Bandura, Albert (1987): Pensamiento y Acción. Fundamentos Sociales Edit. Martínez Roca, Barcelona, Spain.
El Nacional, 17/09/15. Knobel, Joseph (2013): El reto de ser padres, Edit. Melvin C.A., Venezuela.
