“ They desperately want us to love them enough to protect them from others — and themselves .”
Uncharacteristic behavior . Addiction may cause someone to do things we didn ’ t believe they would ever do . It may be essential to seek professional consultation . Sometimes kids need to enter a behavioral health program to receive the assistance needed to conquer their unhealthy dependence on digital technology .
Technology Cannot Entirely Solve Our Problems with Technology
Some parents think the solution to technology problems and addiction involves more technology , such as parental controls , monitors , and such . These can be helpful , but there is absolutely no substitute for solid supervision and parenting skills . Listed below are five tips that can help you and your kids navigate these turbulent issues without creating unwinnable power struggles and rebellion .
Tech Tip # 1 : Strengthen the prefrontal cortex . A strong PFC is essential for impulse control , so make sure your child is developing habits that enhance PFC function . Here are some PFC boosters :
Setting goals Adequate sleep High-intensity exercise Prayer or meditation A healthy diet with protein at every meal Finding meaning and purpose
Tech Tip # 2 . Focus on building relationships . The stronger your bonds with your kids , the more influence you will have to keep them from falling into a digital black hole .
Tech Tip # 3 . Model the behavior you want your kids to adopt . Be a good role model in terms of limiting the use of tech devices . Rather than sitting on the couch next to your child while you scroll through your social media feed , say something like , “ Let ’ s go do something together that doesn ’ t involve technology .”
Tech Tip # 4 . Set firm and loving limits . All healthy parent-child relationships require boundaries that the adult provides . Especially with technology issues , kids need the limits they often protest the most . But keep in mind the supreme importance that many young people place on technology . Communicate tech limits in loving , sincere , and dignified ways .
“ They desperately want us to love them enough to protect them from others — and themselves .”
Tech Tip # 5 . Provide good supervision . Some parents make the mistake of thinking that once their kids reach their tween or teen years , they ’ ve got the tech situation figured out . Wrong ! Kids at these ages need even more supervision than toddlers , particularly when it comes to digital devices . Kids need us to track their phones or search their rooms from time to time . They will protest it . Nonetheless , they desperately want us to love them enough to protect them from others — and themselves .
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