Kids have considerably more stress now than they did 15 years ago. Between the pressures to achieve academically and socially, kids today are feeling stress from the time they wake in the morning until they finally fall asleep from exhaustion at the end of the day.
One of the main reasons for this stress is the prolific use of smart phones. Kids are awakened by their phone, immediately check social media to see what their friends are wearing to school that day, check in with peers all day long to talk about tests and classes, hear the latest gossip, make plans for later, touch base with mom and dad, check how many likes their posts are getting, etc. Then when they finally get home at the end of a long day they are on their phones more to post pictures, chat with friends, research for school work and check their schedules for the next day. They often stay up late into the night chatting and perusing social media.
Kids need Phone Free Zones: times of day to put the phone away. Perhaps in the car with parents, at the dinner table, and at a certain time in the evening until the next day. They need to reconnect with their inner voice, peace and quiet, family conversation, down time and a good night’s restorative sleep. They need to be free from the pressure to take a selfie at any time so they can change into comfy clothes, wash off their make-up, and not care about being seen. Their brains need to be allowed to wonder and imagine and dream.
Help your kid reduce the stress in his/her life by committing to Phone Free Zones for the whole family. Model for your kids ways to enjoy your time while not using your phone. Play some games together. Make a pitcher of iced tea and hang out in the backyard together. Leave the phones plugged in inside the house and just enjoy the quiet.