Prevent your children from becoming addicted to their screens, the GSC strategy!
If I asked you what is one of the biggest challenge we, as parents, are facing in today’s life, what would your answer be? Kids and teens being stuck to their screen, of course!
We cannot deny the benefits of living in a world with instant access to information and communication. However, research shows that technology overuse is detrimental to children and teens whose brain is still developing. Although internet addiction is not yet an official disorder, obsessive internet use is doing to our children serious damage!
As a parent coach, I came up with an acronym that could summarize different tips under an umbrella I call the GSC strategy, in order to help parents manage their children’s screen time and prevent it from becoming an addiction.
Here ‘s what GSC stands for:
G for GUIDANCE:
- Practice what you preach and thus decrease your time spent on social media. After all, you can’t tell your children to get off their devices if you’re scrolling down your Facebook page!
- As most addictions start with a habit, teach your children to replace this destructive habit with values centered goals and activities. Don’t forget to encourage them to stay involved with their hobbies
- Set rules and teach them how to manage their time in order to reach their goals. Distraction is one of the main obstacles that keep us from pursuing our dreams!
S for SUPERVISION:
- Monitor your children’s web history and check what they’ve been searching for and with whom they’ve been interacting to understand more WHY they’re being so busy to their mobile/iPad. I advise you to do it with their approval, or by sitting with them and asking them what they’ve been doing on their device.
- Create a personalized contract that both children and parents sign (agreeing on time spent per day on screens, putting phones and other devices away during study time, mealtimes, and before bedtime…); and make sure the whole family stick to the terms of the contract.
- Keep an eye on your children while using screen. Notice any change in their behavior: mood swings; anxiety; being constantly tired, irritable and withdrawn; becoming introvert… as these are considered as “red flags”
C for COMMUNICATION:
- Have a conversation about the safe and healthy use of technology and the serious physical, emotional, behavioral and interpersonal negative impact on human beings
- Talk with your children about their feelings and show them your support and your availability. If you want to mentor your children on their ONLINE behavior, you should engage with them OFFLINE. Studies show that if you child is overly reliant on a device, that means they are less connected to you!
- Discuss the importance of a balance between online and in-person time. Encourage direct communication/interaction with family and friends through physical activities for example or a “screen off” day.
I would like to conclude with a beautiful quote from Frederick Douglass: “It is easier to build a child than to repair broken men” and remind you that awareness is key, and communication is magic. Children need our attention, they flourish in families where connections are deep and where face-to-face communication is cultivated. I understand how hard it is to be consistent when maintaining a busy lifestyle. But, making it a priority to consistently set boundaries of your family’s screen time, will prevent technology overuse and addiction; and a healthier and happier family time!
Haifa Dada
Youth, Parent and Family Coach
Anxiety Coach – Addiction Coach
Haifa is a certified youth, parent & family coach. She writes about different subjects pertaining to family happiness, effective parenting and children well-being. She is currently working on coaching teenagers overcoming internet and technology addiction, in order to help them reconnect with the “real world”; as well as helping parents of tech addicted children nurture healthier and happier relationships at home.
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