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2024 | HOOK MAGAZINE 55 Ideas Promoting Balanced Use Of Phones & Tablets Here Are A Few very Simple (11-13-yr-olds) personal iden5ty, heightened self- consciousness, and a tendency to seek peer advice over parental guid- ance. Socially, strong friendships are formed, there is a preference for peer company over family, and occasional periods of sullenness and aloofness may occur. When I was younger, there were no phones or tablets, so experiences were quite different. Today, screens are everywhere. One of the most challenging aspects of paren5ng in the digital age has been naviga5ng the ever-present allure of screens. As a mother of four, I've o%en found my- self grappling with how to strike the right balance between allowing ac- cess to technology and ensuring they maintain healthy habits. Giving my girls phones came with unexpected challenges. The allure of screens—whether for games, social media, or binge-watching shows— was irresis5ble for them. Ini5ally, I imposed strict rules to limit screen 5me, but this only led to arguments and resentment. It became evident that we needed a different approach, one that involved open conversa5ons about the impact of screen 5me on their well-being. One evening a%er yet another de- bate, we had a hear4elt discussion. I expressed my concerns about the nega5ve effects on their sleep, mood, and overall health. I decided to ap- proach the conversa5on differently than in the past. Instead of reitera5ng the usual arguments, I spoke from the heart, sharing my worries about the nega5ve effects their excessive screen 5me was having on their sleep, mood, and overall health. To my surprise, they opened up about feeling disconnected from their peers when they were offline. This conver- sa5on was a turning point. To my sur- prise, they didn't respond with the typical defensiveness or frustra5on. Instead, they paused and then started to speak more openly than ever before. They confessed that the 5me they spent online was their pri- mary way of staying connected with If you do this from the start it sets the ground and if you do this as a community it will be easier to maintain. Establish clear guidelines regarding screen 5me limits, when de- vices can be used, and where they can be used in the house. Lead by Example Show your children healthy tech habits by limi5ng your own screen 5me and being present during family ac5vi5es. Physical Ac/vity Encourage balanced screen 5me with phys- ical ac5vity, such as outdoor play, sports, or family walks. Educate About online Safety Such as privacy se7ngs, how to recognize and report inappro- priate content, and the impor- tance of not sharing personal informa5on online. use Parental Controls U5lize parental control features on de- vices and internet routers to re- strict access to inappropriate content and screen 5me limits. Mindful Tech use Encourage taking breaks, and prac5cing digital detoxes to avoid over-re- liance on screens. Encourage Hobbies such as drawing, pain5ng, or playing a musical instrument. Sports and Physical Ac/vi/es Sign them up for sports teams, dance classes, mar5al arts, or swimming. Reading Create a reading list together and set up a cozy read- ing nook. Consider book clubs for kids. outdoor Adventures Encourage them to explore nature through hiking, biking, or gardening. Puzzles and Games Provide puzzles, board games, or card games to s5mulate their minds. Cooking and baking Teach them simple recipes they can make on their own or with minimal supervision. Music and Drama Sign them up for music lessons or a local drama club. Here are some ac5vi5es that can help our children find bal- ance and will not only keep them off screens but also help in their overall development and well-being.

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