I was asked by the Sun News UK newspaper to write 5 quirky and unexpected tips parents can use to wean their kids off their phones:
📲Create a “Phone Jail” for Family Time:
Place all phones in a decorative box or “jail” during meals or family activities. This creates a fun and visible reminder to be present, encouraging real-life interaction and reducing screen time.
📲Introduce a Tech-Free Day with a Theme:
Dedicate one day a week to be completely tech-free, themed around an engaging activity like a “Retro Day” with board games or outdoor adventures. This breaks the routine, making the tech break feel like a special event rather than a restriction.
📲 Implement a Reward System for Screen-Free Hours:
Offer small rewards or privileges for every hour they spend away from their phone, such as extra playtime or a special treat. This positive reinforcement builds a habit of valuing offline activities.
📲Create a Family Digital Detox Day:
If you were going to run a marathon you wouldn’t just put on your trainers and run 26 miles. Same with incrementally coming off smartphones.
📲Go ‘Cold Turkey’ in bite sized intermittent moments:
How about switching off every day at a certain time for an hour or turning off on a Saturday or Sunday for two?
This makes coming off device’s fun not a punishment!
In my new book ‘Unplugged Adventures: A Book of Digital Detox Ideas for the Whole Family’
I suggest calling a detox digital day fun names like:
Mindful Monday
Tech-Free Tuesday
Wi-Fi-Free Wednesday
Turn Off Thursday
Family Fun Fridays
Screen-Free Saturday
Switch Off Sunday
Or your own family catch phrase:
‘It’s Gadget-Free Grub Time!’
‘It’s Unplug and Play Time!’
“It’s Switch Off & Tune In Time!”
“It’s Eyes Up, Devices Down Time!”
– just have fun creating your own catch phase.
📲 Use Apps that Limit Usage:
Install apps that gamify phone usage limits, turning it into a challenge or competition. These apps can send friendly reminders or reward points for sticking to usage goals, making it a game to reduce screen time.
If you like my ideas you’ll love 💕 my new
Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends Podcast 🗺️ 🔦 🧭
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with friends Angeline Corvaglia Tara Jones