My child is addicted to technology.

[Cosyhusky]

She's 5.5 and the first thing she said to me this morning was, 'Can I go on your phone for a while please'.

I know how terrible this is. But I'm wondering how to break the habit without just going cold turkey, as that will never end well.

Anyone else have a child like this? How did you go about it?

Say no. Set new limits and stick to them. We have no screens before a set time in the afternoon (although rules are very much relaxed in a weekend). we did have a little on a morning but it became difficult to switch off, the kids are happier and play better together if they haven’t had screen time first. There was a few days of morning tantrums when I explained that morning tv would have to stop but the new limits were accepted, and allowing tv/screen time at a time of day when they’re both tired reduces arguing and upset a lot so I can get in and make dinner!

My eldest is 5.5. We home educate and use a couple of apps/websites as part of that but it’s still included in regular screen time if he wants to use those.

It’s amazing the difference turning off screens has. Our eldest got the hump about not having gaming time and stomped off in a huff shouting ‘ i’m Going to my room to READ’. Me and DP almost cheered but manage to look as if a sulking kid reading in their room wasn’t actually a little bit of a victory...

Just don’t let them have it. Can I have your phone? No.
My 5 year old gets o use the iPad as a treat at the weekend and he knows that’s the rules in this house. He is not allowed use our phones and tv is limited to set times of the day after certain conditions have been fulfilled or homework, tidied up toys etc.

She isn't addicted to technology if she is just having a look at your phone in the mornings.

It is a mild form of addiction if the first thing she is thinking of and saying, is to ask for the smartphone and I assume from the OP that this is regular. Added to that, the OP refers to it not ending well if she just says no, which is a classic reaction if mildly addicted. After all, smartphones and tablets have apps that are designed to be as addictive as possible. Unfortunately, many parents don't recognise this and we have definitely seen the consequences of this in some young people today.

WHy are you scared of cold turkey? is she using the devices to give you a break?

Children understand clear rules - tell her no devices in the morning for example - I've been there myself and it's actually so much easier when they have a clear rule to follow - easier not to cave as well

This isn’t difficult.

“ can I have your phone “
No
“Please please Please “
No
Pretty please
No
Yelling and screaming

Let’s go and get breakfast

KittyVonCatsington my four year old DS wakes up asking if we’ll have time to go to the playground after preschool and once we’re there it’s difficult to get him to leave. Does he have a ‘mild addiction’ to the playground?

My 5yo asks me every morning if he can go in the bath. How do I curb this mild addiction to baths?

my four year old DS wakes up asking if we’ll have time to go to the playground after preschool and once we’re there it’s difficult to get him to leave. Does he have a ‘mild addiction’ to the playground?

Not the same and you know it

It's exactly the same thing. Young children want to do the things they like to do - park, bath, play on phone - and they don't know or care that it's not even breakfast time yet. It doesn't make they're addicted, it means they're little.

Cold turkey works but it requires consistency from the parents for the benefits to be sustained.

I use a timetable. I bought a cheap white clock in ikea so they know.
The funny thing is what do we expect from our DC, they are naturally going to learn from the adults around them.
They don't know we weren't born with a phone stuck in our hands, they don't understand there was a life before when adults weren't constantly on the phone, everywhere you look adult's and teenager's are on their phones.
It is all learnt behaviour practice what you preach.
I am completely guilty of this too, there were many times yesterday with the DC I was on MN, readthe news several times, checked texts and emails.
I need a tech detox myself.

A great tip. First rule is a no tech before school it will save you years of stress.

Not an addiction. A child wants to play, and phone seems to be a desirable toy.

Yes! Not before school. And not with dinner. It's amazing how strong the compulsion is really. I also started to use my own reward to create a new reward system that didn't involve the reward of the phone. This is an interesting one I came across recently. Look at the reflex! Another place the phone comes out instantly is in lifts lol happiful.com/shares-the-impact-of-phones-on-mental-health-survey-reveals-impact-on-sleep-time-management-and-self-esteem/