For some parents, this can be a really easy thing to do and, perhaps, they already limit the amount of time their children spend online. For others, though, the Internet might seem to be the perfect solution when it comes to keeping your children occupied and, perhaps they even feel that they have more time to themselves and, less interruptions to their own online time;
It’s not just the children
Children learn things from somewhere, they absorb more than most people realize and, if they are spending an unhealthy amount of time online it’s probably because they are allowed to. If you spend most of your time at home online doing ‘stuff’ then that’s where it will have started. They will have learnt from those around them, both at home and at school, or from friends.
Add to that a device or devices that give them access to almost anything that is online and you can start to see just how influenced they might be and, considering the negative effects that this kind of exposure can promote, it kind of seems a little unfair, especially when a parent primary purpose is to ‘protect their family and to teach them life lessons’. In the event you are going through a separation, contact the best family lawyer in Parramatta who can help with the transition.
Health affects
In order to really understand how important this subject is, a ‘quick’ online search is all that is needed, try something like, ‘the negative effects of tech’, you should look at the subject in general and then add ‘on children’ to the end of your search. Anybody who spends an unhealthy amount of time on social platforms or similar will have altered behavioural patterns (addiction research can help define altered behaviour, forget the substance, it’s all about behaviour). Some of the most common side effects are;
- Mania
- Paranoia
- Aggressiveness
- Antisocial behaviour
- Narcissism
- Anxiety
- Depression
Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg and, if you notice any signs of these conditions developing, it will be the start of something more serious.
What can you do?
It all starts with you, if you do spend a lot of time online then, in the best interests of your children, you need to limit your own time and lead by example. It will be difficult and there will most likely be some serious tantrums, you might even feel like throwing one yourself, but, remember, you are the parent, remove devices and make sure you have an alternative ‘natural solution’ like cooking or similar, without a plan you will all be sitting there twiddling your thumbs.
