How to overcome children's addiction to gadgets: useful tips for parents

In the digital world, children’s eyes have been glued to screens since the early years of their lives. Tablets and phones have become universal babysitters, especially during the pandemic. According to the Kaiser Permanente Research Center, during quarantine restrictions, the average screen time of children increased by almost two hours per day – reaching a record high. Due to restrictions on leaving the house, distance learning and stress, parents have not always had time to monitor the amount of time their child spends in front of screens.

This is a real problem: excessive screen time can cause sleep problems, delayed language development, decreased attention, aggression and anxiety. However, in today's world, gadgets cannot be completely banned - they are necessary for learning, communication and development. Therefore, parents need to teach children a healthy digital balance .

Recognizing the problem is the first step.

We often justify excessive screen time with school or clubs, but it's important to honestly analyze:

How many hours a day does the child spend on screens (all devices combined).
When exactly does she reach for the gadget: after school, before bed, when she's bored, or to avoid conflict.
What does she do : studying, watching videos, social media, playing games?

Keeping a diary of observations for 2–3 days will help you see where the root of the problem lies. For example, you may notice that your child is “stuck” on their phone when their parents are tired, or instead of playing in the yard for half an hour after school.

Consequences of gadget addiction

In addition to obvious health problems, the virtual world can fill an emotional vacuum for a child. Psychologists explain: in real life, they face demands and criticism, while on the Internet - only pleasant feedback, instant rewards (likes, levels in the game) and lack of responsibility. Hence, aggression when turning off the phone is not just "stubbornness", but the brain's reaction to the sudden cessation of dopamine surges.

Among the most common consequences:

Sleep disturbances . The blue light from screens suppresses melatonin production, and it is difficult for a child to fall asleep even after turning off the gadget.
Vision and posture problems . Prolonged staring at a close screen, slouching, and lack of movement lead to eye strain, the development of myopia, and neck pain.
Decreased concentration and motivation to learn . Rapidly switching between games/videos on the phone makes lessons and homework boring and difficult.
Psychological addiction . Children escape to the Internet to escape boredom or real-life problems, and do not develop offline communication skills.

Gadget addiction. Is there a norm for screen time?

Organizations that care about children's health give general recommendations:

Children under 2 years old – up to 30 minutes per day under adult supervision (reading pictures, educational cartoons).
2–6 years old – up to 1 hour per day, preferably in several short sessions.
7–12 years old – 1–2 hours per day of entertainment time (excluding studies), necessarily with breaks, physical activities, and hobbies.

These norms are just a guideline. The main thing is to observe the child's behavior: does he have time for sleep, movement, study, and live communication? If the child gets irritated when the phone is turned off, it means that it is worth reducing the dose and filling the day with other activities.

Main principles – no shouting or ultimatums

Listen and cooperate. Replace “prohibitions” with dialogue. Ask what exactly interests the child in the game or video, let him feel that you are on his side. This way he will willingly agree to the rules.
Graduality. A sudden ban will only provoke protest. It is better to reduce screen time by 10–15 minutes each day and at the same time offer interesting alternatives.
Common rules for the whole family. The child copies the behavior of the parents. If the mother scrolls the tape at dinner, it will be illogical to demand that the child read a book. Make a "media plan" - when all family members put away their phones (during meals, an hour before bedtime, at family gatherings).
Responsibility and consequences. Agree on bonuses for following the rules (e.g., a trip to the movies) and logical consequences for breaking them (less time on video the next day). The main thing is to avoid humiliation and punishment.
Safety comes first. Teach your child to: not disclose personal information, block strangers, and not make in-game purchases without parental permission. Use Family Sharing, Screen Time (iOS), or Google Family Link (Android) to monitor downloads and content.

7-day marathon "Kids vs Gadgets: Family Balance"

If you have little time and many questions, try the Kids vs Gadgets marathon from the Academy of Psychology. This is an online course created by child psychologists that will help you establish a healthy digital regime without shouting and conflicts. In 7 days (you will receive a lesson every morning in Telegram), you will:

Learn how gadget addiction works and how to recognize the "red flags."
Learn how to talk to your child about the problem correctly to avoid arguments.
Create a family media plan and sign a "digital contract" with your child.
You will receive 100 ideas for offline activities , checklists, posters and templates (boredom box, 10-minute switches, map of opportunities nearby).
Learn online safety rules and set up parental controls (step-by-step guides for iOS and Android).
You will learn how to protect your vision, sleep, and posture, and introduce useful habits (20-20-20, active hour, proper posture).
Take stock and create a 90-day plan so that the results don't disappear after the marathon.

At the end of the marathon, your family will receive diplomas and certificates , and your child will receive an idea on how to make a coloring book from their photo using AI. This is not just a course – it is an instruction manual for a healthy future.

Why you should try a marathon

🕒 Easy to fit into your schedule. Lessons are short (10–15 minutes), and the tasks are simple and practical. You can watch them at a convenient time.
🧠 Based on science. The materials are developed by child psychologists and are based on expert recommendations (American Academy of Pediatrics, WHO, etc.).
👪 Builds trust and teamwork. The marathon teaches you not to command, but to cooperate. This will strengthen your relationships. Also, together you will overcome gadget addiction without tantrums.
🎁 Bonuses and gifts. Coloring pages with photos, checklists, posters, and other materials - everything to ensure that the new rules work even after the course.

In the digital era, it is important not to fight with gadgets, but to teach children to be friends with them. Parents cannot stand over them 24/7, but they can provide a useful coordinate system. The Kids vs Gadgets Marathon will be your guide into this world. Give your family a space for lively communication and development without addiction.

Take the first step today

Instead of another argument over the phone, give yourself and your child the opportunity to change the situation. Register for the 7-day marathon at the link on the website https://www.ai-psychology.academy/marathon-kids . Remember: screen time is only part of childhood. There are so many interesting things ahead!