The time our children spend glued to their phones seems unhealthy to many parents, and although it is an activity we all do, it seems it is not as unhealthy as we thought it was for a teenager. According to recent studies about the impact, the use of technology has on the well-being of adolescents found it is not as harmful as we think it is. Mainly, because such adolescents do not view their technology usage as harmful. And, secondly, according to the review, global mental health problems have not increased in recent decades. In other words, the increased usage of technology-driven gadgets-smart phones, tablets, laptops, etc.,- by teenagers is not considered to negatively affect their mental health.
Notwithstanding such studies’ findings, the time teenagers spend on their smartphones or tablets might keep them away from other constructive endeavors. If you are a concerned parent and want to minimize their time spent using their iPhone, here are 8 tips to help you breach the subject.
- If you are a concerned parent and find your teens’ smartphone usage unhealthy, read bout recent studies about the topic before engaging in a losing battle with your teen. Instead, try to have a calm conversation with your child or teen about their smartphone usage and ask them what they think it’s the right amount of time for them.
- Compromise but do not set rules they will find unfair. If they have done their homework and extracurricular activities and they are relaxing, let them do it peacefully. Respect their free time, even if they choose to spend it with their smartphone.
- Encourage them to practice an activity to help them build a skill instead of using their smartphone. Music, painting, drawing, or a physical activity class will keep them away from the smartphone while developing a life skill they will appreciate later in life.
- Ask them to read a book. There are lists of books for teenagers that will surely capture their interest. You can research a library’s teen recommendations together to find the perfect book to read.
- Exercise together if you can. Biking and hiking are two activities teenagers can do with their parents without feeling embarrassed about spending time with them.
- Be an example to follow. If you cannot put your own smartphone down, you cannot ask your teenager to do it. Grab a book or seek your child to start a conversation. Ask them about school, friends, or even the videos they are watching on their smartphones. You can always start a conversation and ask your child to join you.
- Have a daily meal together with your teenager. The diner table is a neutral, peaceful place to have a conversation where everyone can join in. If you have more than one child, ask about their day individually and offer a comment or two before going on to the next. Everyone should get a turn to speak and to be heard. Ask for silence from the other members of the family till the speaker is done.
- Respect your teenager and listen to what they are saying. Even if you think they are spending too much time with their smartphones, listen to them before you complain. You are the manager of your teen, not the boss.
Every teen is different. They have different needs and different problems. Many of them can easily adapt to any situation and never have a serious problem. They can have excellent grades but be depressed about an issue. As parents, we can form a healthy relationship with them by listening and guiding them, instead of imposing rules and forcing them to follow. Let’s put away our smartphones and begin a healthy conversation.