Weaning kids away from mobile phones

Modern childhood is inseparable from the glowing screens of mobile phones.

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In many homes, the device has become both a pacifier and a playmate. It keeps children entertained and often allows parents a moment of respite. Yet, as convenient as these gadgets may be, they are not without cost. Overuse affects attention spans, reduces outdoor activity, and even begins to shape the way young minds interact with the world. Parents are now grappling with the pressing question of how to reduce dependence on phones without creating resentment or confrontation.

The key lies in subtlety rather than force. A sudden ban on mobile phones usually creates rebellion or frustration, while a slow and patient reduction can lead to lasting change. Children are most responsive when they feel that alternatives are not being imposed but discovered. To begin with, parents can pay attention to their own habits. A child who constantly sees adults scrolling is unlikely to accept that phones are unnecessary. Demonstrating balance is a more persuasive lesson than lecturing about it.