By teaching children how to use technology in a healthy way, we can help them develop the skills they need to lead a balanced and fulfilling life–

Screen use among children is spreading like an epidemic. They are getting addicted to screens and this habit makes them stubborn and has health problems besides. Doctors say that the screen makes the child enjoy more and more, which cannot be replaced by parental love. So once the child is addicted to the screen, it will not be handled. But on the other hand, proper use of the screen is also important so that the child stays familiar with the new technology. We have always used smartphones (mobiles) for entertainment purposes. However, it is proving to be an important tool in student learning.

Nowadays, the concept of homeschooling is gaining popularity, in which children do not attend school but are taught online at home by teachers. This method is used to educate millions of children in the United States. Another method is the flipped classroom, in which teachers teach at home using videos and students come to school to practise. These new systems rely on screens and mobile phones. As a result, using the screen as a tool is also important and necessary.

Set reasonable screen time limits for children, and strictly enforce them. If this is not the case, the child will be impatient, will refuse to participate in other activities, and will not be properly educated. Keep the child entertained with toys or tell stories about their favorite things if they insist on screen time. They will be stubborn at first, but after a while, they will join your story and lead it themselves.

If your child can use the Internet, give them a task to find out what are the 10 biggest harms of children’s screen time.

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There are a few things to keep in mind while preparing screen time for children. For example, make a checklist that the child can use the screen for 30 minutes after completing their homework, cleaning their shoes, and eating.

Arrange this screen time in a specific order. For example, show them a video about animal names one week, vegetable names the next, etc. When the child watches these videos, they may start to like something in them. For example, they may like a lion among animals, a parrot among birds, red in colour, etc.

Tell them stories about that later which they will listen to with interest and they will guide the story themselves. Giving them an opportunity to express themselves and boost their self-esteem. At other times during the walk, ask the child about the characters in the video and try to recall them.

The above video viewing example is for 2-year-olds. Make a video-watching list for the next five episodes according to your child’s age.

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