You probably used to make jokes about your child knowing more about computers than you. I’m sure it’s going to serve them well in the future, but there is a big chance it will hurt them too. We now know it’s an extremely addictive habit.

Children all over the country can’t seem to break away from bright screens. Not only is it going to leave them with sore eyes, but it’s also going to affect them in less obvious ways. We need to look at a few things you can do to prevent it.

1. Teach Them Some Marketing Tricks

Facebook employ geniuses to come up with new ways to keep users on their website. All the other massive companies do the exact same thing. They want everyone to keep clicking because they can’t resist the temptation.

It’s all done through sneaky marketing tricks, which you can teach yourself to recognize. They become much less effective when you know about them. You need to make sure your child can spot them instantly too.

2. You Can’t Just Limit Screen Time

You can’t just stop your child from playing on their computer. Do you expect them to sit twiddling their thumbs? You want them to stop staring at a screen, so you’ll need to replace the habit with enjoyable activities.

It also helps if you play with them. In the beginning, it’s difficult for them to have fun on their own. If you’re smart you’ll try to make them spend more time outside because it’s healthy for kids.

3. Don’t Buy Your Child A Smartphone

It’s terrible when your child spends hours on the computer, but at least they can’t use it all the time. If you’re not at home they won’t be able to stare at a screen, so they’ll get to enjoy the real world.

That will change instantly if they own a smartphone. The models today are essentially portable computers, so don’t let them carry one around. Every parent should wait until their child reaches a certain age before getting them a phone.

4. Their Phone Shouldn’t Be Amazing

I’m sure you’ll eventually be pressured into buying your kid a phone, but it doesn’t mean you need to buy the best one. The majority of children see their phone as a status symbol, so they like to show it off.

If they’re not walking around with the latest iPhone it’s unlikely they’ll pull it out 24/7. Even if they do own a good one there are still things you can do. For example, make them work to pay their own phone bills.

5. Ban Them From Using The Internet

You don’t need to ban them from using the internet forever, but limit the amount of time they spend on it each week. If they want to use their computer make them save important things on discs like the good old days.

If anything is accidentally erased from HFS disk it’s possible to recover it, so they’re less likely to need the internet. It won’t be long until they’re bored of the computer and go into the garden to run around.

It’s Crucial To Start Right Now

Don’t wait more than a few days to start implementing these tips. It’s only going to give them time to become even more addicted. They should begin to feel better after a few months.