Guide: how to limit the use of a smartphone? The Best Tips for Parenting

How to limit the use of a smartphone

The use of smartphones, computers, and other gadgets among kids is one of the most controversial topics that parents argue about. Of course, these devices are able to greatly facilitate our daily lives. But now we feel helpless when we don't have access to these devices. And children, for example, will feel bad without these devices. Firstly, this is due to the fact that gadgets and the Internet have a strong influence on them from an early age. If you can't feed your baby properly without using your mobile phone, or you play cartoons on your tablet to keep him occupied, you're doing more harm than you think.

Benefits of Reducing Gadget Usage Time

The use of gadgets by children is a topic that worries many parents. And there are reasons for that. Of course, a child should know how to use electronic devices (and if he knows this, for many parents this is a reason to be proud). However, do not teach this child at an early age. At the age of 5–6 years, the child's brain develops rapidly, and it can be influenced by anyone and anything: the people with whom he communicates, the places he visits, the surrounding things, etc. One can imagine how a child will develop if all social interactions will be replaced by electronic devices.

The main problems caused by the excessive use of gadgets

Let's take a look at a few of the major problems associated with the early use of gadgets.

1. Gadgets can disrupt a child's sleep patterns.

The backlight of the screens of electronic devices imitates sunlight. Because of this, the child's sleep-wake cycles are disrupted.

2. Gadgets can interfere with the development of speech and concentration.

Experts have proven that the more children use electronic devices at an early age, the more likely they are to begin talking later than their peers.

3. Electronic devices cause behavior problems in a child.

Because children are very sensitive, excessive use of electronic devices can cause them to become angry and misbehave.

4. Due to electronic devices, children are becoming less physically active.

Today, kids spend their free time behind the screens gadgets, and very few really active kids.

Child development experts agree that children's use of gadgets has more disadvantages than advantages. Today, many parents complain that their kids can take a long time to learn how to write, talk, and perform any task. This is due to the fact that gadgets appear too early in their lives. In addition, due to the fact that kids spend a lot of time on smartphones, there is no social interaction in their lives. In turn, this is the cause of hyperactivity, distraction, and depression in children. These symptoms have increased in recent years.

Experts even doubt the effectiveness of educational programs for children. They think that the knowledge and skills that kids get from mobile apps are not as useful as social interaction and games. And it cannot be replaced by digital technology.

Can electronic devices be addictive to kids?

Numerous studies show that the use of electronic devices leads to a sharp increase in the hormone dopamine. Therefore, the child tends to use electronic devices even more, and this causes dependence. What conclusion can be drawn from this? The more a child has of what he enjoys, the higher the level of dopamine in his body rises. This encourages her to strive even more towards what gives her joy, in our case, to spend more time on the smartphone screen.

But the baby's brain is still underdeveloped, and an excess of dopamine can create an unnecessary load on the pleasure center. The child may look for any way to increase dopamine levels if he does not get it naturally. Therefore, one series of her favorite cartoon on her smartphone will no longer be enough.

How long can children use electronic devices?

It is clear that the continued use of smartphones is harmful to young children. Pediatricians and child development experts recommend:

do not give children under one and a half years of age electronic devices;

a child can watch only high-quality content that is appropriate for his age, together with his parents, only from the age of one and a half to two years;

children between two and five years of age may be allowed to watch age-appropriate content for no more than an hour a day.

To reduce the burden on the child, it is worth coming up with fun activities for the child that will take his attention away from the smartphone and give you the opportunity to chat.

How to reduce the use of a smartphone in a child's life?

If you see the negative impact of smartphones on your child, you should make sure that your child uses electronic devices in moderation. But if your child cannot live without a smartphone all day, then the following measures should be taken.

1. Completely give up electronic devices for a while.

A complete rejection of electronic devices will probably last a few days, but in the long run, it can teach a child to use smartphones, computers, and the like in moderation. However, this should not be presented as a punishment for the child. Giving up gadgets should be aimed at getting the child to turn on his imagination and come up with new ways to entertain himself. You can tell your child what to do: play, draw, or read a book.

2. Gradually wean the child from electronic devices.

Quitting gadgets abruptly can cause more damage than good. Recommends weaning the child from the smartphone gradually. Make sure that you strictly monitor that the child follows the established rules. If your child was previously allowed to use a smartphone for an hour a day, reduce the time to half an hour. The child will probably ask you to give him some more time, but you should not give in.

3. Don't use your phone to distract your child.

Many parents use their smartphone to divert the attention of their child when he does not obey or wants to eat. But this behavior eventually becomes a habit. And, if you give your child a smartphone, he stops behaving again. Put your phone away and use other methods to keep your child entertained or switched.

4. Make sure your child views quality content.

It is impossible to protect the child from gadgets once and for all. But you can control what your child watches. Make sure he watches quality content on TV and on his smartphone. Try to show the child the connection between what he saw with the real world.

5. Keep gadgets out of the bedroom.

To grow and develop normally, the child must have enough time to sleep. Stop using gadgets at least one hour before bed. Make sure your child's bedroom is free of electronic devices. Don't keep gadgets in your bedroom, either.

6. Set a limit for using gadgets.

As you know, children learn from their parents. It can be confusing for a child if he sees that you do not allow him to use electronic devices, but you yourself use them. Over-indulgence in gadgets can affect you just as much as it can affect children. Therefore, it is recommended to set a limit for yourself on the use of gadgets. Use apps that will remind you when you reach your limit.

7. Be physically active more often.

Do it not only for the sake of the child, but also for yourself. Due to busy work schedules, we typically lead a sedentary lifestyle, which in turn impacts our mental and physical health. By exercising every day, you are setting a good example for your child. To teach your child to be active, take him for a walk in the park or playground. Encourage him to play with other children.

8. Take care of yourself first

You cannot correct any of your child's shortcomings unless you first correct them within yourself. Parents, firstly, have to cope with their own stress, so as not to project it onto the child. If you see that your child's addiction to gadgets is leading to behavioral problems, see a specialist.

And remember, when using your smartphone or other gadgets in moderation, it will be beneficial. But if a child neglects lessons and other important things because of a smartphone, get ready for trouble. In this case, you will have to tighten the rules and put restrictions on the use of a smartphone.

9. Favorite programs of the child should be watched constantly with him.

So that the child is not left alone with any technology, spend time with him watching videos and more. Comment on what you see, discuss, teach not to trust advertising, and question significant news.

10. Do not install a TV or computer in the children's room.

Do not allow children aged 3 to 12 to spend more than an hour a day in front of a screen. And also set the exact time when you go to bed, and strictly observe it. Children should stop watching TV or using their smartphones 2 hours before bedtime.

Kroha Parental Control is the best phone control app for your child!

Every parent wants the best for their child, and if you want your child to spend less time using their smartphone or other gadgets, then you should consider using a special application. This will allow you to avoid all sorts of risks associated with the use of gadgets and constantly have access to information about where the child is, how long he uses a smartphone, and so on. Using the app you can control the time of using gadgets.

Since it is impossible to be near the child all the time since adults work most of the time, and when they return home, they often retire with their gadgets themselves, the best solution to deal with this problem is to use the Kroha app. With it, you can minimize the time use smartphone and thereby reduce the risk of developing an addiction to smartphones in children.

Using this app you can not only set time control for gadgets, but also control other aspects:

1. Monitor the sites that children visit.

2. Timely block content that is inappropriate.

3. Track the location of the child at any time.

4. Set a block on unwanted applications and games.

5. Follow social networks.

6. Monitor changes in contacts.

Parents can take all of these steps to help their children be free of smartphone addiction. Learn more about how to use the app below.

Features of monitoring app – Parental control "Kroha":

This app is specially designed to enable parents to reduce the amount of time they use their smartphones. The peculiarity of this app is that it allows you to:

• limit screen time;
• avoid interruptions in the child's schedule;
• find out where the child spends time after school.

Kroha is a unique solution that has a well-thought-out, effective product. With the application, you can control children and protect them from a distance. When creating the application, we took into account the fact that dependence on a gadget poses a huge threat to a child, including his development. Also, special attention was paid to what can lie in waiting for a child in the virtual world. Thanks to the features built into the Kroha app, parents can keep their child safe in the digital world, control everything their kid does online, and limit the amount of time they use gadgets.

How to install the Kroha?

Parents and guardians who don't have enough time to monitor their kids all the time can use Kroha. By installing this program, you can track the time of using the device. And thanks to a convenient control system, you can reduce the time that teenagers spend on their devices. "Kroha" is a modern solution for parents, and it is an application that has no worthy counterparts. Thanks to this, you can always be aware of how much time your child spends on the gadget, as well as monitor his movements or set up web control.

To download and install, go to the site and read the instructions. To take pros of all the possibilities, pay for an annual plan. You will have access to a control panel for 5 other devices.

Kroha helps you control kids in real-time and their interactions with gadgets to keep toddlers and teens safe.

Summary

For those who want to get an electronic assistant that allows you to control your child's gadget, then Kroha is great for this. For example, in order to track the child's location, Kroha uses satellite navigation data via the GPS module. And to set a limit, just open the control panel in the application and configure the settings that interest you.

In general, the application does its job well. You can use it to track photos, contacts, programs, and applications, as well as view correspondence and call history.