Simple ways to curb kids' reel addiction and phone tantrums

The influence of the internet and social media has grown so much that even young children are getting hooked on watching reels. Children as young as two or three now refuse to eat without being shown a phone. Seeing this growing effect of phones, several countries have even banned social media for teenagers. Social media is certainly a source of entertainment and information, but overuse can prove harmful to health. Excessive screen time on mobile phones starts affecting mental health. It is often seen that when phones are taken away from children or they are stopped from using them, they become stubborn and irritable. This leaves parents facing the question of how to keep children away from mobile phones.

Research shows that constant mobile phone use has a bad effect on children's happiness and habits. It causes the brain to produce a hormone called dopamine. When the phone is snatched from their hands, this process is disrupted, making children restless, increasing their frustration and causing irritability. That is why, instead of snatching the phone from children in anger, parents should try to gently engage them in some other activity. This way children will not feel any pressure and will reduce their phone use on their own.

Earlier, when mobile phones did not exist, children spent more time playing outdoor games. This also helps children's physical growth, which is why outdoor games are considered important for them. Teach children the outdoor games from your own childhood and play these games with them for some time. Let them go cycling. Set aside a little time daily to play these games with them lovingly and explain to them why it matters. This will make children naturally get absorbed in play and reduce their phone use.

It is a natural tendency in young children to want to do exactly the thing they are told not to do. Shouting at them can have a bad effect on their mind. It can create resentment towards you in their mind and create distance in your relationship. So instead of shouting at children, explain things to them like a friend would. Talk to them and try to keep them engaged in other creative activities such as painting, pottery, singing, dancing and DIY art. This way their time will not be wasted, and they will also pick up some good skills.