😔 Agression or Irritability -Excessive screentime can increase agression and irritability. Many activities on screens, especially video games can lead to heightened arousal in a child's nervous system making them more prone to feelings of frustration when they are not in a similarly stimulating environment.

😔 Attention and Focus Issues - Prolonged gadget use in kids can lead to shorter attention span and difficulty focusing on tasks, especially in an educational setting. Kids may find it hard to concentrate on school works or activities that requires sustained attention.

😔 Decreased Social Skills (Social Isolation) - Kids who spend a lot of time using gadgets mostly struggles with face-to-face communication. They find it difficult to engage in conversation, read social cues or maintain relationships.

😔 Disruption of Routine and Sleep - Excessive gadget use can interfere with sleep patterns. The bluelight emitted from screens can disrupt melatonin production, making it harder for children to fall asleep and stay rested

😔 Reduced Ability to Manage Emotions - Devices often provide immediate rewards, such as likes on social media or instant game access and entertainment. The constant need for quick rewards can make it difficult for children to tolerate frustration or wait for long-term outcomes impairing emotional regulation. Kids miss out on learning how to read body language, tone of voice, and other non-verbal cues that are crucial for understanding and regulating emotions.

• Set Clear Limits and Rules
• Establish Screen Time Guidelines: Create a daily or weekly limit on screen time based on your child’s age and needs. Studies suggests no more than one hour of screen time per day for children aged 2 to 5, and consistent limits for older children.
• Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain areas in the house, such as the dinner table or bedrooms, as tech-free zones. This encourages family interaction and promotes a healthy relationship with technology.
• Encourage Alternative Activities

• Promote Physical Activities: Encourage outdoor play, have them join sports like Taekwondo, enroll in physical activities like Ballet and K-pop dance classes to help kids build social skills and emotional resilience. Physical activity can also improve sleep, which is important for emotional regulation.

• Educational Alternatives: Provide options for hobbies or activities that don't involve screens, like reading, Arts, building with blocks, or playing musical instruments like Piano. These can enhance cognitive and emotional development.
• Model Healthy Behavior -Kids often imitate their parents, so it's important to model healthy gadget use. Set an example by limiting your own screen time, particularly during family time or meals. Engage in Screen-Free Activities Together.
• Engage in Open Communication -Explain the potential negative effects of excessive gadget use, such as impacts on health, relationships, and emotional well-being. Ensure they understand the reasoning behind the rules. Respect Their Interests: Take time to understand the content your child is engaging with on their devices. This allows you to monitor usage more effectively and ensures that their digital activities align with your family values.
• Educational Content: Encourage your child to use gadgets for educational purposes, like learning apps, documentaries, or online courses that spark creativity and knowledge.
• Implement Tech-Free Times Create Routine Tech-Free Hours: For example, establish tech-free hours after school, during family meals, or before bedtime. This allows kids to unwind without screen distractions and helps them develop a healthy routine. Encourage Mindful Screen Use: Help your child focus on how they’re using their gadgets and encourage intentional use rather than passive scrolling or mindless consumption.
• Use Parental Controls -Monitor and Set Restrictions: Use built-in parental control features on devices to set time limits, restrict inappropriate content, or schedule “screen off” times. This gives parents more control over what their children are exposed to and how long they’re using devices.
• Be Consistent and Firm - Stick to the Rules: Consistency is key when setting boundaries. If kids know the rules are flexible, they might try to push limits. Be firm but fair when enforcing rules about gadget use. Gradually Reduce Screen Time: If your child is used to a lot of screen time, consider gradually reducing it to help them adjust and avoid feeling deprived. By taking these steps, parents can help their kids develop healthier relationships with gadgets, improve emotional regulation, and foster skills for real-world interaction. The goal is to create a balanced approach that allows for positive technology use while also nurturing well-being and healthy habits.