What can we do to digitally detox? We live in a society that demands our attention…attention to our smartphones, our social media accounts, and our infinite number of electronic devices. Technology never stops, so today we eat, sleep and even shower with our phones. We are always digitally connected, and it’s safe to say that it is no longer healthy. As I sit here writing, I think about how much time I spend in front of my computer every day. Why not I ask? I love to read. But as a society, we have become couch potatoes, chubby computer geeks, and savvy smartphone addicts. We are no longer people who prefer to play outside, socialize face-to-face, or leave our homes without a reason, but rather are spectators who love playing with technology. Unfortunately, many of us can now claim to be in the unhealthy, fatter and seriously addicted club.
Research now supports that people who are addicted to their phones have significantly higher anxiety, depression and impulsivity. Video gaming addiction is now listed as a mental health condition for the first time by the World Health Organization. Just ask parents how difficult it is to separate their children from their devices and they will concur, we are addicted and it is changing the mental health of our society. Can we also mention digital eyestrain? Our children are needing glasses sooner than their parents because these tiny screens demand more from our eyeballs. And what about posture, neck and back problems as well as texting thumb pain?
So what can we do about it?
We need a digital detox that works! Face it, we are a society who will not go back to the dark ages, however, something must change.
Here are 7 ways to Digitally Detox:
1. Don’t give your child a phone until high school. I know that sounds crazy, but the earlier they use them, the more addiction becomes a problem. Allow them to use the phone for safety reasons, but not to play games and communicate with friends. Phones or any electronics should always be a privilege and there should be rules in place before a child gets the device. Parental controls are important as well as trackers. This is not negotiated either, it’s a requirement and understood before getting the phone. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of giving my children a cellphone too early and paid the consequences later.
2. Social Networking accounts should be avoided until high school. Bullying is a big deal now and once it starts, it can be devastating to the child. Protect your child from this as long as possible.
3. Limit video gaming. Do not use it as a babysitter, rather a privilege after homework and chores are done. This goes the same for TV.
4. Create upfront technology-free time, which should definitely include suppertime. Everyone has to put their phone in a box while eating. If not, you’ll never have another dinner conversation at your house.
5. No phones close to your bed at night time. Most people cannot resist checking messages, so if you want your children or even you to get a good night sleep, put the phone away. I plug my phone in and hide it behind my door before I go to bed. The electromagnetic frequencies emitted from a close proximity phone or computer are actually dangerous to the brain and body as some studies are now finding. Keep them off your body as much as possible, especially laptops. Read more about electromagnetic frequencies EMFs here.
6. Take NO Tech Adventures. We feel naked without our phones, but take the family somewhere without phones and start to talk again. I remember going to a cabin up north when I was younger where there was no TV or technology. My sisters and I had to get creative quickly. We started to make pretty things with paper and pins, it was amazing! It takes a while to get use to, but plan for it to make it exciting. Start this while the kids or young, otherwise they will have nothing to do with it when they are older. Trust me.
7. Sometimes we just need help. Consider a phone/device app that can monitor media time. Freedom is one such app and there are others as well.
Digital Detoxing is important and we as parents need to create limitations on technology if we want healthy kids. The same goes for us. We need to get up and move around and create healthy limits and I’m preaching to myself too. Technology is great, but always within limits. Good luck!
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