No phones allowed: Psychologists share tips to limit your child's screen time

Recently industrialist Anand Mahindra shared a video of a child holding up a food item to their ear like a smartphone Mahindra jested that the phone now precedes basic needs such as food clothing and shelter On the one hand people can argue that the toddler should be given some credit for using imagination while on the other hand it raises the question of increased smartphone use among children Limiting screen time might prove beneficial for everyone children and adults alike While adults have or should muster up the determination to trade screen time in for something more restful or productive children need a little more guidance Two child psychologists note the harmful impact of phone use at a young age and decode ways to wean your child off the deviceDitch gadgets during meal time to bond with your child and teach them to enjoy their mealCombat screen timePayal Narang child psychologist and mom influencer playfulparenthood lists the downside of the excessive use of digital devices and technology on kids from its detrimental impact on and delays in physical and mental development hindered social skills and screen addiction Prachi Srivastava child and adolescent psychologist further details that an increased use of the smartphone or computer results in longer hours spent in the digital world and less time with people This results in isolation and a lack of confidence in communication and interaction It also leaves kids with no reallife role models instead they have online friends whose identity is disguisedPlay group games or watch family shows to avoid isolation and introduce a human connectionldquoSpending excessive time on the phone will result in poor concentration constant need for stimulation and increased boredom Children will find it difficult to sustain tasks and thoughts They develop a lack of focus and kids might want to give up before a task is completedrdquo Srivastava notes and continues that the overuse of digital devices also creates a fear of performance Kids want to imitate what is shown in videos images games and television This directly affects their creativity and critical thinking skills due to a lack of experiential learning Lastly it also leads to poor fine and gross motor skills when children refuse to create with their hands mdash writing colouring or playing outdoors This impacts their physical health as well she points outBuild human connectionsHowever can technology and the use of digital devices be incorporated positively or prove beneficial Narang suggests it can provided we keep these tips in mind ldquoMake sure screen time is limited The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States of America suggests avoiding screens until the age of two years post that it can be limited to 60 minutes a day In my personal opinion kids between the ages of two and five should not get more than 30 minutes a dayrdquo She highlights the importance of ageappropriate content as well as ensuring that the content is not overstimulating in terms of pace and colour ldquoYou can use a radio or a smart speaker instead of screens I make playlists for my child to enjoyrdquoTo this end Srivastava recommends sharing a single gadget for playing group or family games or watching shows and listening to music together This builds and strengthens the human connection rather than a digital connection It would also prove beneficial to children with special needs in using technology for educational requirements tooReplace the gadgetFor parents looking to restrict the use of digital devices during meals and playtime Srivastava notes ldquoThere is no substitute for the presence or involvement of parents They need to give time to their children and cannot depend on digital gadgets Gadgets donrsquot make parenting easy They only add to the problemrdquoNarang adds ldquoInstead of allowing phone usage during meal play or study times set a fixed time on your kidsrsquo schedule for devices This way kids wonrsquot ask for it during the rest of the day and they know when to look forward to this fixed time A predictable schedule is always better and helps to prevent tantrumsrdquo Narang also suggests teaching children to focus on and enjoy their food during meal times ldquoYou can also use this time to bond with your child and create conversationsrdquo she remarksSpot these red flagsgtgt Screen addiction Kids become dependent on screen time to get through the daygtgt Changes in behaviour Reduced social interactiongtgt Disruptions in their sleep patternsgtgt A steady decline in a childrsquos academic performancegtgt Increased mood swings and irritability Payal NarangMeal time fungtgt Play ageappropriate verbal games like I Spy or Name Place Animal Thinggtgt Chat with your child about their day likes or discuss a book they recently readgtgt Turn your daily meal time into story timegtgt Use this time to check in with your child on how theyrsquore feeling and exchange thoughts