How to get rid of mobile phone habit: 3 easy tricks for children.

The habit of mobile phone is increasing very fast among today’s children. Even a small child repeatedly asks for the phone, cries, insists and does not keep quiet without the phone. This habit not only affects studies but also has a negative impact on eyesight, sleep and behaviour. But the good thing is that with a little understanding and continuous effort, this habit can be broken.

Here we are telling three easy and effective tricks, if adopted, the child himself will ask for the phone less.

First trick: Create fixed screen time rules and change phone settings

First of all, make a clear rule at home that the phone or tablet will be used only at fixed time, like not more than 30-60 minutes a day. Tell the child in advance that ‘after playing, turn off the phone for 30 minutes!’

Go to the phone’s settings and set a screen time limit. Turn on parental controls on Android or iPhone, where you can lock apps or have them automatically close when a timeout expires. When the child asks again and again, say lovingly,

‘Look, the timer is over, now we will play together some more.’ This will make the child feel that the rules are for everyone and not just restricted to him. Gradually he will develop the habit and his stubbornness will reduce.

Second trick: Save the child from boredom, give alternative fun activities

Most children ask for phones because they don’t get anything else to do. The phone sounds easiest when you are bored.

Therefore, increase other activities at home. Like playing outside in the park, cycling, playing board games at home, painting, reading a book or cooking together. Involve the child, such as ‘Today we will make a tent together!’ Or ‘Come, let me tell you your favorite story.’

When the child is busy, he will not remember the phone. It will seem difficult in the beginning, but the difference will be visible in 7-10 days. The child himself will say, ‘Mummy, let’s play!’

Third trick: Become a role model yourself, use less phone as a family together

Children learn what they see. If parents remain busy on the phone all day long, the child will also do the same.

First of all, use your phone less. Keep the phone aside while eating, talking or playing with the child. Create a ‘no phone zone’ in the family, such as not bringing phones into the dinner table or bedroom. Play games together, talk or go for a walk.

When the child sees that everyone in the house is using phones less, he will also easily agree. This trick is most effective because the child copies.

Adopting these three tricks will not only reduce the child’s habit of asking for the phone, but will also increase love, conversation and happiness in the family. In the beginning the child may cry or insist, but explain with love and patience.

In a few weeks the setting will change and the child will become more happy, active and creative. Remember, the phone is a tool, not life. A child’s true happiness lies in playing outside, meeting friends and spending time with family.