Cell phone addiction: 5 tips to put technology aside for a while

The use of cell phones can have positive but also negative sides. Addiction to electronic devices can affect the routine of children, teenagers and even adults, who can develop problems with attention and productivity. There are, however, ways to reduce this dependence and transform hyperconnectivity into something natural.

To CNN Brasil, professor Sarah Batista Santos, from the Darcy Vergas Foundation, advises that at least 5 steps be followed to reduce dependence on screens in everyday life.

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- Create still moments without screens

Having a routine with well-established schedules helps to strengthen family bonds, reduces fatigue and reduces the excessive and automatic use of devices in the routine.

- Build rules together

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In relation to children, it is important to create schedules, screen time and what types of content can be consumed. In the case of teenagers, it is important that they participate in decisions to develop more responsibility for their own digital habits.

- Encourage activities and hobbies

Carrying out activities outside the technological environment can be a great incentive for the cell phone to become just a tool, and not an obsession in everyday life.

- Talk about what is consumed online

Paying attention to what is consumed on social media can be a way of directing the use of cell phones and other screens. Questioning exaggerations and possible misinformation can develop critical thinking and even digital autonomy.

- Be an example of the use of technology

For children and teenagers to reduce cell phone use, adults need to be an example to follow. Conversations about the excessive use of screens could be a way for consumption to become something healthier at home.

Problem affects young people
Many children and teenagers can face problems with the abuse of cell phone use. One of these negative points refers to critical thinking, which must be exercised.

"Technology has brought important benefits to young people's routine, especially in accessing information and organizing activities. But an excess of ready-made content and automatic suggestions can also reduce creative processes and hinder the development of critical thinking. Therefore, it is essential to teach not only the use of tools, but also reflection on what we consume", says Sarah.

"Family participation is essential to guide and monitor the use of technology in everyday life. More than controlling, it is important to dialogue, establish balanced limits and help children and adolescents develop responsibility and common sense in the digital environment", he concludes.

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Source: CNN