An active child will usually be more curious and do something we forbid. Especially if they've played gadgets. According to my friends experience, if we force them to stop play with their gadget, they will continue to play their gadget even more. Rather than place the gadget off, they will play it secretly out of our sight and being more addicted with the gadget.
This often happens to parents who have provided gadget too early to their children, usually due to the existing features in the gadget that can support creativity and stimulate the intelligences of children quickly. But if not monitored properly, there is a risk that children will be addicted to the gadget.
Prohibiting children to play gadgets alone is not enough for parents. We need a different approach if we want they not too addicted with laptop, smartphone, or etc. Here are some tips so parents not just feel relieved, but happy because their child will use their gadget properly:
1. Create Limits Based on Time
Time limits on the use of gadgets and other electronic devices should be restricted. Suppose you have a child that just 18 months, then you should not introduce gadget to their world because the rays of the gadget's LCD will have an impact on the health of his/her eyes. But if they are 2-5 years old, apply only 1 hour in a day to play with his/her gadget.
Children who have started to read, limit it up to 2-3 hours per day, because as parents, we should firmly give the child time to perform other activities, such as bedtime, play with other children, or others offline activities.
2. Give Alternatives When They're Upset When Prohibited From Using Gadget
Children who are forcefully stopped while playing gadget will usually feel annoyed, and will have an impact on their emotional. Usually a child who frequently forbidden to use their gadget, will be more temperamental.
Based on my experience, try another alternative to him/her as a replacement of gadget. Can be either making handicrafts, playing ball, or taking a walk to the park. Give selection of some fun activities, because it will greatly support the growth of your child well.
3. Be A Good Role Model
If you want your child is not addicted to gadgets, then be a role model for them. Because if you are still often preoccupied with gadgets, then htey will potentially imitates you. Because they think will be unfair in these conditions, where they are prohibited to play gadgets while you at any time can access your gadget.
As a parent, you certainly need to be a good role model also for children. Providing an understanding of how to use the technology well. Invite them to play with you, and they will understand why gadgets should not always be used everytime.
4. Set The Gadget Free Area
Home is where children spend 90% of their time. Provide insight into which spaces are not allowed to use the gadget. Suppose in the living room, bedroom, and dining room. Because in that room, the family member will spend time interacting with each other. Make a similar agreement to everyone in your family, so you can focus on spending quality time with your family member.
Preferably the main purpose of providing a gadget to a child can be to help enrich the knowledge of the child. If this is the goal, then the parents may allow children to play with gadgets. Look for apps that contain educational elements rather than downloading game apps that only make children happy but do not provide many benefits.
These are tips that I can give you, so your child and your family would be not addicted to gadgets, although technology is necessary to use. Remember that your child will imitate your lifestyle. Makes a good role model to their world!
Inspired from https://family.fimela.com/anak/cerdas-aktif/pendidikan-anak-tepatkah-memberikan-gadget-untuk-si-kecil-130410m.html
and https://brightside.me/inspiration-family-and-kids/8-genius-ways-to-raise-children-who-are-not-addicted-to-gadgets-376910/