The smallest of the house are already on vacation. Too many free hours that already worry some about the amount of time that children spend on screens. What to do about this situation?. The UNIR expert, Álvaro Pérez, advocates not restricting its use but he does believe it is necessary to reach a balance.
Making time more flexible, offering alternatives, setting an example and, above all, giving quality time to the child are his best tips to avoid arguments and “bad times” this summer.
In an interview with Europa Press, the graduate in Pedagogy has assured that, currently, the range of possibilities for the little ones when it comes to accessing digital devices is more open than ever. “Now the holidays are coming and we find ourselves with this problem, children spend more time at home, they get bored and spend more hours than expected in front of the screens.”
As he acknowledges, “there is no specific time” that limits whether the devices are being used properly or not, the important thing is “common sense” and observing the behavior of our children to prevent them from isolating themselves.
In this way, he qualifies, “we cannot forget that our children were born in the society of screens. They are digital natives, they cannot live with their backs turned to them, also taking into account that they see us, adults, constantly with phones, computers…”
For this reason it is “essential” that children know that there are “rules for the use of screens” as occurs, for example, during the school stage. Now in summer, although these rules “are more flexible, they also have to exist” because “we cannot give absolute freedom.”
The UNIR teacher recalls that children also use screens at school and for study, so “we cannot nip something that they already use normally”.
In this way, and since we know that we cannot stop their use, the fundamental thing is to “offer them alternatives”. “We cannot tell them not to use the devices but not give them any alternative. For them, by itself, being at home is already boring and that is why it is necessary to look for outdoor activities for them.”
“Sometimes it’s complicated because parents have to work but they need to have some sporting, cultural, leisure alternatives, summer camps… so they can disconnect and have a good time”.
He also believes it is necessary “that we, as adults, set an example.” “We can’t tell them not to use a device if they see us with it all the time.”
On the other hand, he assures, “the best gift we can give our children is to dedicate quality time to them. Playing with them, taking a walk, talking more calmly… during the course, sometimes, is more complicated, for this reason, these summer moments are good to recover time with them. They will appreciate it very much”. The key is that “in summer there is time for everything” if you know how to take advantage of it “well”.
For the expert, it is also essential -especially at certain ages- to establish what is known as ‘parental control’ on the devices. “It is clear that they were born with a device under their arms, but at 3-4 years of age the control does not need to be so high, at older ages, at 10, 11, 12 years, it is because it is very important that we know what applications are downloaded, who they call, what pages they see, have a locator…”.
“There are even applications in which we can establish a schedule so that the device disconnects itself from the Internet, it is important to regulate the time and this is a good way to do it.”
In addition, and to “avoid disagreements”, the director of the Pedagogy degree at UNIR believes that parents must also have certain digital skills. “It is important that they also have knowledge and some training in the use of technology because that will help families to be able to control something that is in society.”
“It is impossible to isolate them from them, therefore, it is essential to have training and preparation to face if a problem arises one day. Sometimes, giving your young child a tablet or mobile is the most comfortable, but that does not mean that be the best for him.”
For all this, he concludes, “it is important to dedicate time to them, we know that it is easier to entertain them based on screens, but if this use is excessive, there comes a time when it can isolate them from their environment. This is totally negative for socialization, for relationships and for family life. We must not forget that education starts, in addition to school, from home and from the family”.
