Young Children and Smartphones
By Dane Brinsko, MS, LPC
Welcome to Summer! As you think about how summer will look in your home, remember there is no wrong or right way. Our unique temperaments, schedules, and circumstances make a one-size-fits-all approach inappropriate. However, based on research and observations over the past 30 years of working with young children, I prayerfully hope you will consider limiting electronics and smartphones as you imagine the summer with your family.
The research is mixed on how phones and electronics impact young children. Yet, based on years of working with children (mine and others), I do not recommend smartphones as a general guideline for young children. The prefrontal cortex, which helps with decision-making, impulse control, eating, and predicting consequences of your behavior along with many other essential executive functions, is not developed enough to allow for wise decision-making, which is needed for this typed technology. I suggest, children should practice keeping track of a “dumb” phone for a year as a steppingstone to earning a smartphone. If you are concerned about needing to contact your child while they are away from you, here is a choice to consider SyncUP KIDS™ Watch: Prices, 1 Colors, Sizes, Features & Specs (t-mobile.com).
Here are some suggestions for limiting phones and electronics in your children’s lives while incorporating other activities.
Lead by Example:
- Be a role model by engaging in offline activities yourself. Children often imitate their parents' behavior.
- Show enthusiasm for reading, outdoor play, hobbies, and creative projects.
Create a Screen-Free Zone:
- Designate specific areas in your home where screens are not allowed. For instance, keep bedrooms and dining areas screen-free.
- Encourage family members to interact without digital distractions, especially during mealtimes.
Outdoor Adventures:
- Explore nature together! Visit parks, go for hikes, or have picnics.
- Outdoor play promotes physical activity, creativity, and a sense of wonder.
Arts and Crafts:
- Set up a dedicated arts and crafts area and provide supplies such as paper, markers, glue, and scissors.
- Encourage creativity through drawing, painting, and DIY projects.
Reading Time:
- Create a cozy reading nook with comfortable seating and various books.
- Read aloud to your child and discuss the stories together. Research has shown that reading aloud has many benefits for your children.
Cooking and Baking:
- Involve children in meal preparation. Let them measure ingredients, mix, and decorate.
- Cooking together fosters life skills and family bonding.
Board Games and Puzzles:
- Gather as a family to play board games or assemble puzzles.
- These activities promote critical thinking, teamwork, and social interaction.
Music and Dance:
- Play musical instruments or dance to favorite tunes.
- Music enhances creativity and coordination.
Gardening:
- Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables together. Teach children about caring for plants.
- Gardening provides a sense of responsibility and connection to nature.
Limit Screen Time Gradually:
- Gradually reduce screen time by replacing it with offline activities.
- Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories.
In our home, we read 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You: Reinke, Tony, Piper, John: 9781433552434: Amazon.com: Books as a family and had weekly discussions on the chapter we read that week. Having honest and healthy conversations with your children should be a routine. Remember, we want to develop the whole child physically, socially, cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually. We help prepare them for adulthood by modeling healthy communication through honest conversations and family meetings.
If you have Instagram, I recommend following Mx. Ash Brandin, EdS (@thegamereducator). She has information on how to use the phone settings to protect your children and gives parents words they can use when speaking to their children about electronics.
Remember that consistency and positive reinforcement are key. What you model will speak more loudly than anything you say. Encourage your child's interests and explore new activities together! Have a happy and healthy summer.
