Helping Parents Navigate Balancing Technology Use for Children and Teens

As a family physician I love helping parents navigate balancing technology use for children and teens. Let’s talk about ways to find balance. I often observe the impact of technology on family dynamics and children’s development. With the ever-increasing presence of screens in our lives, it’s essential for parents to understand the effects of technology and create a balanced environment for their children.

How Can I Help My Child Find Balance with Technology?

In today’s world, we often find ourselves so absorbed in our devices that we miss out on genuine human connection. This can be particularly concerning for children and teens, who are at risk of losing essential communication skills and the ability to form meaningful relationships.

Effects of screen Time on Children

Studies reveal that children spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using technology, leading to various negative consequences, such as:

  • Reduced imagination and creativity
  • Impaired sensory and motor development
  • Poor self-regulation and attention
  • Increased childhood obesity
  • Higher rates of ADHD, autism, coordination disorders, developmental delays, speech issues, learning difficulties, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders

To promote healthy child development, it’s crucial to incorporate movement, touch, human connection, and exposure to nature into daily routines. Children need at least 2-3 hours of active play each day for normal development.

Effects on Teens| Excessive technology use can also harm teens causing issues such as:

  1. Back pain
  2. Obesity
  3. Cyberbullying
  4. Distractibility
  5. Vision and hearing problems
  6. Sleep disturbances

While technology offers benefits like global connection, cultural understanding, and information sharing, it can also lead to increased distraction, stress, isolation, shallow relationships, sedentary lifestyles, and internet addiction.

Finding Balance: Striking a balance between technology use and other aspects of life is key

Implement technology-free spaces and activities to:

  1. Disconnect from devices
  2. Connect with people and nature
  3. Relax and meditate
  4. Cultivate gratitude
  5. Limit children’s exposure to technology

Helping parents navigate balancing technology use for children and teens is a passion. By intentionally scheduling time to unplug, you can rediscover the value of genuine connections with friends and family, immerse yourself in nature, and reduce stress levels. Encourage activities like dinner parties, game nights, or campfire gatherings to foster a sense of community and strengthen relationships.

Inviting Jesus into Your Life

As you navigate the challenges of parenting in the digital age, inviting Jesus into your life can provide guidance and support on this journey. Through faith, you can draw upon the teachings of Jesus, which emphasize love, compassion, and connection.

These values can serve as a foundation for your approach to parenting, helping you foster an environment where your children can develop strong relationships and a sense of purpose.

By incorporating prayer and reflection into your daily routine, you can strengthen your relationship with Jesus and seek His guidance as you strive to raise your children in a balanced and nurturing way. This spiritual connection can empower you to make mindful decisions about technology use, prioritize meaningful family time, and create a loving and supportive home for your children.

To find out more about inviting Jesus into your life, please watch the video on this page. You are loved by God, you matter, and there is hope for you.

Remember to prioritize simplicity, connection, and gratitude on the journey to health and happiness for your family.

FREE GIFT

Watch this video!

If this video connected with you in some way, and you’d like to find out more about having a relationship with God and how His forgiveness and grace applies to you, a great place to start is praying the prayer below. The words themselves aren’t magic, but if you earnestly pray them and mean them, God will hear you! He’ll help you in ways you don’t understand, and we’ll help you find support and next steps.

The Prayer

Jesus, I don't know You, and I don't know what Your plan is for me. But thank you for coming to die in my place. I'm sorry for anything I've ever done wrong in my life. I don't understand how You could ever forgive me, but if You really would, I would like to accept your free gift of grace and complete forgiveness. Please come into my life and take control, and help me trust You. In Jesus' name I pray,

Did you pray this prayer?

So Now What?

If you really meant that prayer, the next step is to get you connected with other Christ-followers near you so you can grow, learn and become stronger in your faith.

Click the CONNECT NOW button below to find a group of believers who can help you establish that relationship with God that you’ve only just begun.

God loves you – specifically you! And because He does, you have a bright future! Trust Him to help you find it.

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Connect with Other Believers

Take the next step and get to know others just like you who are looking for real answers. You will find amazing support and community, and answers to questions you may have not even thought to ask!

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