Tips For A Balanced Digital Diet For Kids
Knowing some tips to maintain a balanced digital diet for children is necessary for them to learn to use technology in a healthy way. The important thing is to know how to take care of interpersonal relationships and give these relationships the importance they deserve, above the virtual presence.
If we set clear boundaries and maintain good communication there will be no reason to resort to extreme measures such as banning internet use at home. The tips that we’ll offer below will show that you just need to use common sense, provide quality time and promote a critical attitude towards the use of technology.
Why is a digital diet necessary?
The technology was created to make life easier for human beings, but digital means of communication favor the flow of information and contact through constant communication. And while these aspects are extremely advantageous, they can also lead to considerable damage to our social life and our personal growth.
In this sense, the dilemma starts when we realize that our children spend more time immersed in social media, or anywhere else on the internet, and miss out on opportunities to interact face to face with people.
The question that goes through the mind of any father and mother today is: How to balance the use of technologies? And consequently: How to do this without seeming to be a punishment? The solution is to talk deeply about the importance of being objective and realizing that there is a life beyond the virtual world.
Tips for a balanced digital diet for kids
1. Identify the degree of dependence on technology
It is believed, in theory, that there is no risk when using technological devices, unless there is a clear dependence. Starting from this idea, you should first try to identify the degree of dependence that your child has in relation to technology.
To do this, try turning off the Wi-Fi in your home or ask your child to leave your cell phone, tablet or any other electronic device with you for a while. Then observe the child’s attitude. If she becomes restless, anxious, or irritated, you will know that there is an addictive relationship.
If you have already noticed this, you should try to gradually implement some solutions for the child to balance the various aspects of life: virtual presence, obligations, sports activities, social interactions, etc.
2. Prohibit cell phone use at mealtimes
To maintain a balanced digital diet, it is important to stop using electronic devices for at least two hours a day. Many parents prefer to set this goal for mealtimes, both lunch and dinner. This will allow you to generate moments of conversations and exchanges, in addition to spending a few hours without using your cell phone continuously.
Additionally, we teach children and teenagers respect and to receive food with gratitude, without interrupting this moment with calls or messages, while sharing good moments with the family that will be actions reproduced by children in the future.
3. Teach the rules of a good speaker and a good listener
It is important for the child to learn the rules of a good speaker and a good listener. This will lead you to reduce the use of your cell phone or tablet while talking to someone, understanding that it is impolite not to look at the person you are talking to.
4. Enroll your children in recreational activities
Another good option for maintaining a balanced digital diet is to encourage our children to do some recreational activity after school (such as sports, dancing, music lessons, or any other activity your child wants to try). Thus, children will realize that it is possible, yes, to enjoy moments without using any electronic device and that this provides well-being.
In the case of music lessons, we can ask the child to practice at home too, as if it were a “private show”. In this way, the child will occupy his time with an activity that does not require the use of a cell phone. Of course, we can also, for example, practice with her so that she feels supported and valued.
5. Educate by example
If the child sees his parents constantly connected to electronic devices, without interrupting the use of social networks for a moment, he will certainly imitate this pattern of behavior . That’s why it’s very important to set a good example. Being coherent, dialoguing and reflecting together, therefore, are very important actions to always seek the general well-being.
