Smart phones are addictive and children loose attention and focus, sucked into a remote world using them. Children feel lonely, isolated and are very impressionable to false news and marketing manipulations.
I wrote about the dangers of the virtual world in my book ‘Mirror Image’, and the problem to health, cognitive overload and isolation is a reality today for many a teen and adult.
We still debate about banning smart phones from schools, yet those countries, education authorities who have acted, for their children the results are staggering. Spotlighting the benefits ; the psychological and health improvements are impressive.
In Norway a study showed bullying reduced by 43% for boys after a four-year-ban on phones in schools.
Bans have improved grades, behaviour, and social interactions.
What is there not to LOVE!
Educators and parents have a duty of care to keep our children safe.
Department of Education advise schools to act however data shows only 11% of secondary schools have instigated.
Private schools such as Eaton are taking the lead.
Albans, in Hertfordshire aims to become the first UK city to go smart phone free for all children under 14.
France, Italy and Spain have imposed bans successfully in the last few years, seems EU countries are more active in protecting their children than UK.
I am sure teachers and heads would welcome removal of smart phones in their schools, less disruption etc., who do we need to wake up: Are adults too addicted themselves to their phones within education?
Parent Teacher groups, parents need to start the ball rolling, take the lead and request? Avoid the growing damage to brain and psychological outcomes. Removing smart phones in schools, education centres etc., is the SMART thing to do. To give our children a chance of receiving a good education. Or are we going back to the dark ages or Ugh!
We can encourage children to spend more time on other activities, clubs and groups rather than sitting alone in their room. Isolation, depression is a big problem in children, teens and young adults and has a long arm of dysfunction to come.
Have a basket in the hall way to drop off phones as arrive home.
Phone free zone at meal times. That means adults and visitors too.
Moods will improve considerably when we have less phone interaction.
Sit together and watch a film, enjoy a family game, popcorn etc.
Family time is important, and children need the interaction to feel they belong and safe. You don’t have to go out or spend a lot of money. Just sit together, cuddle, interact and enjoy a laugh or two.
Be revolutionary, interact, talk at the dinner table you will be surprised how much you will learn about their day highs and lows, etc.
Enables parents to support, talk through, identify and reduce quickly, with interaction and compassion, as parents can.
Adapting to change is a journey of several weeks and months. But your child will thank you for it in the long term, as life will be happier and less stressed. Brain will feel less overloaded. And depression will start to lift.
JWT has programmes to help children and adults with behaviour issues. Moods, ADHD, Hyperactive and aggressive behaviour.
Joy Wisdom of Joy Wisdom Trust.
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