In the age of social media, it’s common for everyone to take care of multiple electronic devices. The same goes for children.
Parents are now turning to tablets and phones to help their kids develop cognitive skills. From using apps, to practice times tables and watching educational content of YouTube, there’s an endless amount of ways children benefit from using their gadgets.
One major problem with this growing norm is that most smart devices are incredibly delicate. Made with light metals and thin glasses, cell phones, tablets, and laptops are easily breakable. Pair these with children, and you’re bound to deal with drops and screen cracks.
These electronics can reach upwards to $2,000 – replacing them isn’t in most people’s budget. That’s why protecting them is a must, and it’s easy to do this with these three easy methods:
- Get Protective Cases
If your child is using a smart device like a cellphone or tablet, the best way to prevent damage is using protective cases. If you’ve been putting off the extra cost, wait no longer. A harsh drop can happen when you least expect it, and there’s no coming back.
Brands like Otterbox and Speck have won the trust of the general public when it comes to protection. Smartphones are especially susceptible to damage in the hands of children, and they might steal yours while your back is turned for playtime and accidentally drop it. Protect all of your electronics, including your phone – every case counts!
With a variety of colors, finishes, and designs to choose from, you can even allow your child to pick out a case they like. This will encourage them to always keep the case on so they won’t fuss with it and take it off when you’re not looking.
- Teach Them to Respect Their Electronics
Children slowly but surely learn about independence. As they grow, they’re able to walk to where they want, communicate their needs, and form opinions. They also learn about ownership. Each child tends to go through a lovely phase where the word “mine” is heard a lot. If a child is able to process that their electronic device is indeed theirs, it increases the care they have for it.
This is a perfect opportunity for you to start teaching your child how to appreciate the items they have. Cleaning their devices, treating them gently, and not running with them are all simple and small ways your child can start to learn how to respect their electronics.
- Allow Electronics Only Under Supervision
It’s easy to give children a tablet or phone so you can work or chores that need to get done. The problem is, without supervision it’s easy for them to be reckless with their devices. Here’s an easy way to Fall Into an Easy Routine of Household Chores.
It may seem harmless to leave them be while they watch YouTube videos, but this leaves their devices at great risk. It only takes a second for your child to wave their tablet around in excitement, or drop a phone in frustration. They don’t have the ability to take care of things on their own, and judgment isn’t a child’s forte. That why it’s important you pay close attention and make sure your child is being responsible with all of their devices.
Allowing your child to use electronics can be incredibly rewarding and helpful. Not only will they become electronically literate early on, but they’ll also be able to work on important skills with just a few taps of their finger.
To make sure your child can continue to do this, it’s important they’re electronic devices are protected, even if you don’t always think it’s necessary. You can use cases and screen protectors, while also making sure your child knows that they’re more fragile than their favorite toy.
Trying at least one of these tactics will make you feel more secure the next time your child requests time with their favorite device!
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