KATHMANDU: Smartphones have become an inseparable part of our daily lives — from paying bills and checking emails to gaming and staying connected through social media. However, the growing dependence on mobile phones has also reached children, many of whom are now addicted to smartphones. This addiction negatively impacts their education, physical activity, and overall development.

As a result, many parents are concerned about how to break their children’s smartphone habit. If you’re facing the same challenge, don’t worry. Below are practical and effective tips that can help you gradually reduce your child’s screen time and promote healthier habits:

1. Encourage Outdoor Activities
To keep children away from smartphones, motivate them to participate in outdoor games and physical activities. Options like swimming, cycling, martial arts, or team sports such as football, basketball, and tennis not only reduce screen time but also improve social skills, teamwork, and build a sense of achievement.

2. Keep Phones Out of Reach
Make it a habit to keep smartphones away from children’s sight, especially during study hours and bedtime. Avoid buying your child their own phone at an early age, as this sets a difficult pattern to break later on.

3. Set Screen Time Limits
While it’s unrealistic to completely eliminate phone use, you can establish clear boundaries. Assign specific time slots during the day for using phones, and make sure they stick to the routine. This will gradually reduce dependency.

4. Spend Quality Time with Family
Children often turn to screens when they feel lonely or disconnected. Spend more time with your child — talk to them, play with them, involve them in family activities. Create a warm and engaging home environment that makes family time more appealing than screen time.

5. Be a Role Model
Children learn by observing their parents. If you’re constantly on your phone, your child is likely to follow the same behavior. So, limit your own phone usage, especially when around your children, and model the behavior you want them to adopt.

These small but consistent efforts can help protect children from the harmful effects of smartphone overuse and guide them toward a more balanced and healthier lifestyle.