Mobile Phones and Kids: Are We Doing It All Wrong?

Let’s be honest—our phones are basically glued to our hands. Checking emails, scrolling social media, ordering groceries, and—oh yeah—using them as an actual phone (remember that?).

But when it comes to kids and mobile phones, things get tricky. Are we setting good examples? Or are we just telling them, “Do as I say, not as I do”?

The Classic Parenting Dilemma

Ever told your child to put their device away while you’re deep in a text conversation? Yeah, me too. It’s like sneaking candy while telling them sugar is bad.

Kids are observant, and if they see us constantly on our phones, they assume it’s normal.

What to do instead: Start by setting tech-free times for the whole family. Meal times? No phones. Movie night? No double-screening. Bedtime? Yep, the phone stays out of the bedroom (and yes, that includes us grown-ups too).

The Myth of the “Educational App”

We love justifying screen time with the magic words: “It’s an educational app.” Sure, some are great, but let’s not pretend every app under the sun is turning our kid into the next Einstein.

If they’re spending hours playing a game where they dress up virtual pets, it’s probably not boosting their IQ.

What to do instead: Limit screen time to truly beneficial apps and balance it with offline learning—reading, puzzles, or (gasp!) just playing outside.

The Screen-Time Tantrum

Ever try to take a device away from a child mid-game? You’d think you just canceled Christmas. The meltdowns are real. But here’s the kicker: kids aren’t the only ones addicted to their screens.

How many of us feel a little lost when we forget our phone at home? (Be honest.)

What to do instead: Give them a heads-up before screen time ends.

Use timers so it’s not you being the “bad guy,” and replace screen time with something engaging—like a board game, drawing, or, dare I say, actual conversation?

The Hidden Danger: Eye Strain in Kids

Ever noticed your child rubbing their eyes after screen time? Squinting more than usual? Complaining about headaches? Excessive screen use can lead to digital eye strain, causing dryness, irritation, and even potential vision problems in the long run.

In some cases, prolonged exposure to screens can contribute to certain eye diseases or worsen existing eye problems.

What to do instead: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

Adjust screen brightness, ensure proper lighting, and encourage more outdoor activities to reduce eye strain.

If you notice persistent eye problems, like redness, frequent rubbing, or blurred vision, consult an eye specialist to rule out any underlying eye diseases or conditions that could affect their long-term vision health.

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Final Thought: Be the Example

Kids learn by watching. If we want them to have a healthy relationship with technology, we have to show them how it’s done.

That means being present, putting our phones down, and proving that real life is way more interesting than whatever’s trending online.

Easier said than done? Absolutely. Worth trying? No doubt.

What’s your biggest struggle with kids and screen time? Let’s chat in the comments!

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Monday, March 3, 2025