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How to Break Kids Technology Addiction

Do you have a suspicion that your child may be getting too much screen time? Do they get sullen and moody whenever their access to devices ends? Here's how you can help Break Kids Technology Addiction in 5 Easy Steps.

It is no secret that we live in a digital age! Every kid has a tablet, smartphone, or is glued to the television or their laptop. If you are on the hunt for how to break kids technology addiction, I have a few ideas for you below. I think all of these tips are great for even adults. I know all too often I can find myself even reaching for my phone to look at the latest updates on Facebook, Instagram, or checking my email. Technology is wonderful, but we have to find a happy medium with it or it can consume our entire day! 

Look At How Much You Use Technology 

One thing I first realized is, children, learn from our actions and people around them. Look and see if you are always glued to the television, looking up things on your phone, etc. If they watch you use the phone or watch television from morning to night, they are only going to follow in those same footsteps. Give yourself a good look over and see if you are showcasing the habits you want them to stop. Even if you are using your phone to connect to your calendar, write notes, your children see you using your phone. Think about how much you use it during the day when you are around them. 

Also, make sure that when you do these options like create a time where no technology can be used, that you also follow those rules. In the beginning, your kids might fight the new rules, but in time they will adjust and it can be very beneficial to break kids addiction to technology. These rules fit for any age range. Every home is different and you might find one of these options fits your lifestyle best! 

Do you have a suspicion that your child may be getting too much screen time? Do they get sullen and moody whenever their access to devices ends? Here's how you can help Break Kids Technology Addiction in 5 Easy Steps.

5 Ways to Break Kids Technology Addiction 

1. Tech-Free Time 

The first way to break kids of technology addiction is having times where you do not allow technology. Whether it is not having phones or tablets when you eat, or no technology after a certain time each night.

Find a way to create roles so that you have tech-free times in your home. If that means you all sit down and play a game as a family, or go on a family camping trip when you have no phone time that is a great option. 

2. Time Limit 

Some families really benefit from setting time limits on screen time as a way to break kids technology addiction. Now if it is school work then it is allowed.

Sometimes they have to look up things online, but other than that, you have to limit to an hour or two a day. After their time frame is up the tablet, phone, or tv gets shut off for the rest of the day.

Aside from homework, we actually don’t let the girls have devices during the school week. They’re able to stream kids movies on Netflix after a certain time, but that’s it during the week.

3. Leave Phones and Tablets At Home 

When you’re taking a trip close to home, leave the kids tablets and phones at home. If you have a DVD player in your car, consider leaving it off on short trips so kids have a chance to just look out the window without technology and stimulation always in their face.

This is not only a great way to help break kids technology addiction but it teaches them can’t just get on devices anytime they want. So no scrolling or playing a game while you grocery shop, eat out, or take a short road trip. If you make them keep their tech items at home when you are out and about, try and stay off yours as well. 

4. Create Activities 

Try and create activities to do as a family or just for your kids when they are not using their phone or tablet. Maybe pick up some crafts for them, board games, or outdoor toys so they have options.

Or create a garden with plants that you can eat and let them help water, weed, and see the plants all the way through from farm to table. It gives them something to do without having anything to do with technology.

If you’re going to allow your kids some media time, have a family movie night

5. Productive and Learning Options 

So if your child is going to be on their tablet for an allotted amount of time, consider doing something productive that offers a learning value. Maybe they are learning to trace letters and numbers, or reading.

You can download tons of free Kindle Books, educational apps, all things that when they are using their tech items they are learning. I still say give them times when they can’t use technology or give them a set amount of time each day. 

What ways have you found helpful to break kids technology addiction in your home? 

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