Is Your Child Addicted to Watching Mobile Phones While Eating? Here’s How to Break the Habit
Screen Time for Kids Under 5 in India Hits Alarming Levels, Study Warns
Parenting Tips: Experts share simple strategies to help children eat without screen dependency.
If your child refuses to eat without watching a mobile phone, you’re not alone. Many parents give in to this habit by playing cartoons or songs during mealtimes. However, health experts warn that this seemingly harmless routine can turn into a serious issue.
Why You Should Be Concerned
Even small habits like watching a screen while eating can negatively affect a child’s overall development. Health Expert, recently spoke on a podcast about the health implications of excessive screen time. According to her, watching mobile phones during meals is a harmful habit that not only affects children’s physical health but also hampers their mental development.
She explained that when children are glued to screens while eating, they are less likely to experience the taste or smell of the food. This dulls their sensory responses and impacts their brain development. Continuous screen exposure also strains their eyes and leads to poor attention span and delayed learning.
Effective Tips to Reduce Screen Time During Meals
- Avoid Sudden Changes
Do not abruptly snatch the mobile phone away. Gradual changes are more effective. Start by reducing screen time in small steps. - Remove the Phone Before Mealtime
Keep the phone away before your child starts eating. Try engaging your child with stories or sing songs while they eat. This will help distract them from the screen. - Talk and Interact
While feeding your baby, talk to them or ask questions. It not only keeps them engaged but also boosts their language and cognitive skills. - Lead by Example
Avoid using your own phone during meals. Instead, try eating with your child. This encourages healthy eating habits and strengthens family bonding. - Offer Alternatives
Replace screen time with indoor games or other engaging activities to shift their attention and reduce mobile dependency.
Gradual Progress Brings Positive Results
She emphasizes that consistent and mindful steps can help children slowly move away from screen habits. Over time, you’ll notice improvements in their focus, interaction, and overall learning ability.
These parenting tips can serve as a valuable guide for those looking to foster healthier eating habits and reduce digital distractions during mealtime.
