At this time, smartphones have become a necessity that must be owned by everyone.
It no longer functions to contact someone, but at this time, smartphones have many functions, such as: playing social media, shopping online, ordering vehicles online, as a means of non-cash payments, and others.
Coupled with the current pandemic, smartphones have increased their function as a tool for online schooling at home and also doing office work at home.
So, it is very important to have a smartphone at this time so that we can be facilitated in all matters of work and also in the education of children.
But unfortunately, in today’s era, many also abuse smartphones. For example, children are addicted to playing games and watching YouTube videos on their smartphones.
This, of course, has a bad impact if it is carried out continuously without parental supervision.
Addiction to smartphones and television can have negative consequences that interfere with a child’s growth and development.
There are several tips so that you can avoid becoming addicted to playing with gadgets, such as:
Determining Gadget Playtime.
Determining the time a child plays with gadgets actually varies depending on the age of the child. As stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Born – 18 months: not allowed to interact with gadgets such as TVs or smartphones, except to make video calls with relatives.
2–5 years: It is recommended that children play with electronic devices for no more than one hour per day.
Over 6 years: for children of this age, interaction with gadgets is indeed needed. But the good thing is, the maximum time given to playing gadgets is no more than 2 hours a day.
Give Suggestions on Doing Other Activities.
Apart from prohibiting children from playing with smartphones, it’s a good idea for parents to also suggest playing or doing other activities with their children. Like fishing, playing ball outside, and other things. It is better if parents can play together with their children.
Give an Example.
Most children will imitate the behavior of their parents. Therefore, it is better for you to also pay attention to your activities when interacting with smartphones or other gadgets. If you find it difficult to be separated from your smartphone, then it will also be difficult to make your child detached from the smartphone.
Pay Attention to Content for Kids.
For children 9 years and older, it is stated that their access to playing smartphones must be fully under the guidance and supervision of parents. You should direct your child to choose educational sites that can help develop the child’s skills.
Also pay attention to the games played by children, don’t let your children access game content with the theme of violence.
Determining the Location and Time While Playing on the Internet.
It’s good if parents make rules for playing with gadgets. For example, not allowing smartphones in the room, and not allowing gadgets when it’s time to eat at the dining table with the family. Smartphones should also not be given to children one hour before they go to bed.
Provide Risks Concerning Internet Dangers.
Parents need to educate children about the risks and dangers that threaten the internet, especially if your child has grown up and no longer needs parental supervision when using gadgets. Before stepping into that period, parents are obliged to give their children an understanding of how to deal with cyber bullying, negative content, the dangers of opening access to personal information, and things that are downloaded.
Children need to be warned about the dangers of digital footprints so that they are not careless in carrying out activities in cyberspace. Children must also be informed that everything on the internet is not necessarily true, such as hoax news and others. Don’t get tired of emphasizing to your child that he has the best parents who can be a safe haven for all of his complaints so that children don’t carelessly post negative things or anything on their social media in the future.