Time for Digital Detox

Time for Digital Detox

March 15, 2022 in News, Parent Education & Support

Is technology taking up the majority of you and your children’s time? Regional Medical Center (RMC) Parents as Teachers (PAT) have some ways to help your family detox from electronic devices. 

Turn your digital detox into a family challenge. Children love challenges and participating in group challenges allows everyone to get involved. Have your child choose a couple of digital detox goals and write them on a calendar. Rewards can be built in as something fun to look forward to.

Schedule technology-free hours. Dedicate one hour every day to put the digital devices away. For every new week, add 30 minutes. This time can be any part of the day, but nights are extremely beneficial as it helps with sleep.

Create digital detox zones at home. Choose areas in the home where technology is not allowed. It may be at the dining room table or on the couch. This allows your family time for relaxation in these areas. 

Plan ahead for screen-free family fun. Plan activities during technology-free hours. Teach your family to associate these times with something fun to do with the family. This will create interest in more activities during these times rather than spending it on technology. 

Brainstorm replacement activities. Allow your family to make a list of tech-free activities that interest them. This list can be utilized during tech-free hours without the hassle of figuring out what to do last minute. 

Remember, start with small changes and work towards the big changes. Through these changes, your family will start to understand the importance of the digital detox. If you would like to learn more or would like to take part in the RMC Parents as Teachers program, please call 563-927-7551.