Family Digital Well Being

Digital well-being refers to a state where an individual has a stable, safe, and balanced digital technology relationship. Here are some examples of how over-dependence on digital technology can impact families' well-being:

In young children, observing screens for 3 hours a day or more can impair physical activity and cognitive growth. There are clear associations between internet addiction and signs of depressive or anxiety disorders, social phobia, rage problems, suicidal ideation, drug addiction, etc. in both adults and adolescents. It can be highly addictive to behaviors such as gaming or watching unhealthy videos. In reality,' Internet Gaming Disorder is a mental disorder that is graded. Overusing devices and other issues related to a sedentary lifestyle may affect health conditions. Since teens and younger adults are the majority of internet addicts, debates about digital well-being have to begin at home. Here are a few tips.

Teaching kids to be accountable

In order for a child to start using smartphones or PCs, there is no right or wrong age. Parents must ensure that the child is responsible and adequately mature and that a healthy balance is practiced at all times. "As young parents screen time is top-of-mind; but all the rules have been thrown away by the pandemic-led lockdown. However, we have still created a routine and a set of rules to manage this struggle and define a new technology relationship."

Stress on defense

Digital protection for families is also a necessary discussion point. Themes such as: safeguarding one's privacy online, the dangers of placing personal details online, coping with violence, the health effects of binge-watching or binge-gaming, etc., Together, enjoy offline activities: make time for some wonderful family activities that do not require technology. During such operations, keep all devices safely out of the way.

Establish Technology free zones

For example, at the dinner table, in bed, during study time, or while guests are visiting, create specific ground rules for places and/or circumstances when technology is NOT welcome. Guide by example: If you tell your kids about the significance of using responsible gadgets, but do not obey the same guidelines on your own, they are unlikely to take you seriously.

"Like physical or mental well-being, it also requires to practice to achieve digital well-being"