The Number 1 parenting challenge in America, Europe, and Asia is controlling their children’s use of smartphones and social media, and parents who do not have a specific strategy will not succeed.
Studies show direct parallels between time spent on smartphones and the likelihood of kids’ depression, isolation, anxiety, and even suicide. But the biggest problem is the things excess screen time keeps away from – exercise, the out-of-doors, personal socializing, and a healthy awareness of the real world.
There is no one-size-fits-all parental approach, but those who think it through, discuss it with their kids, and develop a clear set of rules and limits seem to be doing fine, while parents who just “let it happen” usually have addicted kids with worsening problems.
Visit the links below to see practical approaches to this challenge and specific ideas for helping your children to understand the potential for addiction and the need to govern themselves.