Tech Detox for Kids

By Donna Stark

Is your child constantly watching television shows or playing video games on an electronic device? Is your teen giving their thumb more of a workout by scrolling through social media than what they give the rest of their body? If so, your children could probably benefit from a digital detox. A digital detox is when a person breaks their unhealthy attachment to the electronic devices in their life. It can be a difficult process, it may even bring some tears, but the benefits of doing so far outweigh any amount of enjoyment that the device could ever bring.

Start the Detox!

Let's face it. We can't take away all the screens from our children and even if we could, we probably shouldn't! Our schools use them, our careers depend on them, and there is always a distant family member that would love to receive a text message. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't limit the amount of time our children are on them. Let's take a look at some of the benefits that could come from a digital detox.

• Improved sleep and better moods
• Decreased risk of weight gain and obesity
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Improved social skills
• Enhanced creativity
• Improved academic performance
• Increased desire to participate in extracurricular activities and hobbies

Tips on How to Proceed

So, how does this whole detox thing work? Well, it's important to get your child on board and it's easier to begin if you start with baby steps. Here are some great suggestions on how to get the ball rolling.

• Lead by example
• Establish specific phone-free moments (dinnertime is perfect for this)
• Create a schedule that shows when screens can be used and when they should be turned off
• Buy alarm clocks and remove phones from the bedrooms
• Organize activities that are not screen-orientated
• Support other hobbies and passions

Less Technology, Better Health

Technology has been a blessing in so many ways, but it's our job to help our children understand the dangers that come with too much of it. The key idea here is to find a balance that is healthy and that works with everyone's individual needs and schedules because the consequences of too much screen time could be significant. And you certainly don't want it to get any worse! So take the necessary steps, be firm, and just watch how a digital detox will impact your family. Your child may even be surprised at how much fun life can be without any screen time involved. And wouldn't that be a great thing to happen?

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Spartanburg, S.C.