Is Internet a boon or a big problem for your child?

Is Internet A Boon Or A Bane For Your Child?

Internet can be a boon or bane for your child depending on these 3 things like -

1. Age of your child: For a toddler, Internet will be more of a bane rather than being a boon, as too much screen time can intervene with their sensitive eyes. It can lead to red watery eyes, eyes cab become tired and puffy as well. For a primary school going child the amount of time he or she spends on the Internet in the school is more than enough and hence don't need an extra time at home
2. Time spent on gadgets: Other than the age, time spent on gadgets is also considered when deciding whether the internet is an advantage or a disadvantage. If your child is spending almost all his or her waking hours on the gadgets then it is time to know that having an internet is not an advantage
3. Purpose behind the usage: If your child is using the internet to research about a topic for his or her project then definitely internet is a boon for your child but then you as a parent need to keep an eye on the usage time as too much of screen time is not good for any child irrespective of the age

How I Decided Internet Will Not Be Used For The Entertainment?

I myself am guilty of using laptop, mobile phone and TV for the entertainment of my child – a 16-months-old beautiful daughter. Which I realised is wrong and can have dire consequences in the long run. Being from an education field I could relate to the issues faced by the parents and decided that I will not let these issues plague me.

Like I said earlier that I too used laptop and mobile for my daughter's entertainment, I had to first undo the practice of using internet to entertain my daughter. But how was my first thought. So this is what I did.

How I Steered My Daughter From Net Dependence To Other Activities?

Initially I used to feel happy and proud to see my daughter getting excited about the rhymes and other things on the internet. But gradually I realised that this is happening way too often to the point that my daughter refused to have her meals without a phone or laptop. So what did I do steer her away from the net dependence.

1. Avoid gadgets usage yourself: When you reach home, avoid looking at your phone to check mails or anything else and give all your attention to your child. He or she deserves it from you. The work can wait. Nothing is more important than your child
2. Read together: Read a book together, that will not only help you unwind but will also forge a strong bond between you and your child. Discuss this book while you put your child to bed or in the morning when you are getting her ready for the school. You will have something else to talk about rather than the lives of cartoon characters or anything else your child has been watching over the internet
3. Story telling: Story telling over the meal is another way of keeping your child engaged during his or her meal times. The child learns something new and you create a bond with your child. While telling a story do ensure to change the voice as per the character so that there is enough entertainment value and your child doesn't get bored
These are some of the things I did with my child to ensure that there is a less dependence on the internet and yet my child is learning something new. Do share your ideas and feedback as well in the comments section below.