The most troublesome issue for parents during summer vacation: Summer vacation, for children, means they can indulge in playing with mobile phones and watching TV, playing with mobile phones day and night. At this time, parents all reflect on the problem of children being “addicted” to mobile phones and not wanting to do homework. Usually, children can’t stop playing, parents’ repeated urging is useless, and in a fit of anger, they may throw the phone, disconnect the internet, then the child argues with the parents, leading to uncontrollable parent-child conflicts.
Many psychological problems of children and adolescents
often start with addiction to mobile phones
and when parents realize the seriousness of the problem
and start seeking advice and treatment everywhere, it is often too late
Especially for adolescents whose self-control ability is not yet fully developed, it is even easier to get deeply trapped and unable to extricate themselves.
Although various educational measures to prevent addiction to mobile phones have begun, but to truly implement them, firstly children need to consciously avoid addiction, and secondly, parents need to help children use phones and computers rationally.
Find the reasons why children rely on phones
01 Seek a sense of value
Psychologist Alfred Adler said, the pursuit of excellence is a human nature, humans have had the desire to learn and pursue excellence since birth. When this nature is not satisfied, people will seek psychological compensation. The deepest reason why children addicted to phones must be that they have not found their sense of value in learning and life, lacking recognition and affirmation from the outside world.
02 Lack of a sense of belonging Children’s hearts lack a sense of belonging, they do not feel loved by their family, lack high-quality companionship from parents, and lack emotional connection with the real world. No one accompanies them, no one needs them, no one makes them feel important.
03 Lack of social relationships Children have no friends, have poor interpersonal relationships, and if parents do not accompany them, then they really only have a phone to accompany them. If your child is addicted to the phone, you can reflect on what your child can do without playing with a phone?
04 The influence of parental role models
We can reflect on ourselves, how much time do we spend on phones and computers every day? We often say that children are mirrors of their parents, they learn what you do, this is leading by example. If you often make phone calls, send messages, use WeChat, or play games, watch movies at home, then most likely children will also develop interest in phones and be highly similar to you – unable to be without a phone.
How to prevent children from being addicted to phones
01 Moderate phone usage Parents should realize that their behavior subtly influences children and should try to use phones moderately in front of them. Avoid excessive phone use to prevent children from misunderstanding that playing with phones is a normal behavior.
02 Establish rules Parents need to set rules on phone use in the family, such as daily usage time, usage occasions, etc. By setting rules, children can clearly understand the limits of phone use and develop their self-discipline.
03 Increase parent-child interaction Parents should spend more time with their children, engage in parent-child activities like outdoor sports, reading, crafts, etc. This can enhance the parent-child relationship, let children feel parental love, and reduce dependency on phones.
04 Pay attention to children’s needs Parents should pay attention to children’s psychological needs, communicate effectively with them, understand their interests, hobbies, and needs. During the child’s growth, provide correct guidance and support, help them cultivate diverse interests and hobbies.
05 Guide children to use phones correctly
Parents should educate children on how to use phones correctly, such as using phones for learning and expanding knowledge, rather than being excessively addicted to entertainment. At the same time, remind children to pay attention to the hygiene and safety of phone use, and avoid the influence of negative information.
