Cell phones have significantly impacted daily life for everyone, particularly during the pandemic. Both adults and children use cell phones for various purposes, such as work, shopping, sending goods, making payments, completing school assignments, and engaging in online schooling.

However, parents must monitor their children's cell phone usage to prevent the development of gadget addiction.

What is gadget addiction?

Gadget addiction, similar to gambling addiction, can arise when children become excessively reliant on gadgets, particularly cell phones. According to Current Psychiatry Reviews, signs of gadget addiction in children may include:

•  Rapid mood changes
•  Excessive focus on cell phones and internet browsing
•  Inability to control time spent on cell phones
•  Need more phone time to feel happy
•  Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when separated from the cell phone
•  Altered daily behavior, such as negative attitudes toward parents or family members
•  Avoidance of school, social activities, or outdoor pursuits

How can we prevent children from developing cell phone addiction?

Excessive cellphone use can result in sleep disturbances, stress, and depression. To promote healthy gadget usage among children, here are several strategies to prevent addiction:

Set a good example for children

It's not wise to ask children to stop using their cellphones if their parents are still engrossed in theirs. If you want your child to avoid cellphone addiction, you must lead by example and demonstrate that daily activities involve more than just using cellphones. Encourage activities like exercise, cooking, house cleaning, reading books, and more.

Limit screen time

Enforce screen time limits by following this schedule:

• For children aged 2–5, limit gadget use (including TV and cellphones) to 1 hour on weekdays and 3 hours on weekends
• Children aged 6 years and older should prioritize physical activity and minimize gadget use, including cell phones. Ensure all gadgets are turned off and kept out of the bedroom at least 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime

Involving children in other activities

Engage and involve children in daily household tasks such as tidying up, grocery shopping, gardening, meal preparation, and more. This fosters a closer bond between parents and children while teaching them about responsibilities and family roles.

Encourage playtime

Children thrive on special attention and quality time with their parents. You don't need elaborate outings to connect with them; simple activities like walking or cycling together around the neighborhood, playing ball games, swimming, or engaging in water play can keep them active and less reliant on their cell phones.

Supervise the apps on your child's cell phone

Numerous apps are available to help monitor your child's cell phone activities. You can also customize each app to restrict content related to specific topics or containing certain words. Regularly review your child's internet browsing history to track what they've accessed and prevent future access to inappropriate content.

Cell phone addiction can stem from underlying issues that parents may not be aware of. Therefore, children struggling with cellphone addiction should receive support and consult with a specialist doctor.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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