How to Regulate Children Using Mobile Phones

Living in the age of technology, we’re pretty used to seeing people of all ages absorbed by their phones. While it’s something we’re probably all a little guilty of, it can be a problem when our children follow suit. If you’re struggling to prise your child away from their device, here are some top tips.

Choose Wisely

In this day and age, it isn’t possible or safe to stop your
children using mobile phones. First things first, make sure your child has an
age-appropriate device. A smartphone with unlimited access to the internet, for
example, might not be the best choice for a younger child who might not yet be
able to understand the risks and dangers that come with being online. A little
online research will help you find a device that’s suitable for your child’s
needs. You might find that selecting a more age-appropriate device will render
your child’s mobile less interesting to them and encourage them to spend more
time away from it.

Be Understanding

Children nowadays will conduct even more of their lives
online than we did when we were young so it’s important to understand the part
their device plays in their social life. With this in mind, try not to use
phone restrictions as an everyday punishment as this will only cause rifts and
arguments. It is also important to remember that a mobile phone is as much for
safety as it is for fun; so, removing them as punishment may not be the
greatest idea.

Agree Boundaries

Instead, try to set phone-free times agreed by the whole
family. Agreeing to put away your phones at mealtimes or during family visits,
for example, will set up clear boundaries about what is and what isn’t
acceptable mobile usage. Including your children in discussions about what
these boundaries should be will also help them to feel part of the decision and
therefore happier about sticking to the rules.

Do as I say and as I do

That being said, don’t be a hypocrite either! Your children
aren’t likely to make positive changes to their mobile phone usage if they only
ever see you glued to your screen too. You have to stick to the rules as well,
plus it can be a great way to re-evaluate how much time
you spend on your phone.

Parental Control Apps

 If the
worst comes to the worst, you can always use parental control apps. Unless your
child is a working teenager, it’s most likely that you will have paid for their
device so you’re well within your rights to install parental
control apps that will allow to have a say in when they’re using their
phones. Again, don’t do this arbitrarily as it will just result in a lack of
trust, however limiting use of phones after bedtime, at school, and during
other important occasions can be a good idea.