Technology is useful, but it can also diminish personal progress for the sake of advancement. Technological evolution often struggles with safeguarding children while pushing boundaries of human potential. While it is not an engineer's sole responsibility to protect children, the complete ignorance of the prospect is troubling.



Technology opens reams of reality beyond the scope of developing adolescents, yet they have access to it all. Many children suffer bouts of anxiety from exposure, requiring child anxiety medication over the counter or even prescriptions.

As a parent, you are the gatekeeper to tech. Setting boundaries and rules is one of the only ways to protect your child and manage their anxiety.

Set Limits

Setting limits or boundaries around computer and phone use often provides a natural anxiety relief for kids. Because the world is so enamored with technology, children often spend hours every day staring at a screen.

As a parent, you cannot do much about academic requirements and technology, but you can set limits to use during free time. Children over the age of two should not spend more than one to two hours in front of a screen per day.

Some advertisements will try to pressure parents by saying time spent watching a video series improves development, but these claims are not often backed by research. Your child needs to interact with people, read books, play imaginative games, and be young.

You should always encourage outdoor play and activities over staring at a screen or developing digital personalities. That said, a digital presence is typically necessary for older children, but youngsters can generally spend more time away from their screens.

Model Healthy Technology Habits

Children need role models, and parents are the most available options. Telling your child to do something is not the same as showing them how to do something. You cannot expect your little one to stay away from screens if you spend a lot of time in front of them. You must model healthy technology habits.

If you want your child to have healthy boundaries around tech, you must demonstrate those boundaries. For example, if you tell your child to turn off distracting videos or streaming movies while doing their homework, you cannot turn around and throw on some streaming service while you work on something for the office.

While healthy habits may differ from family to family, there are a few universal items to consider. First, medical professionals suggest turning off all digital devices at least one hour before bed for a good night's rest. Also, they recommend keeping screens out of bedrooms. For children and grow-ups with anxiety, it is a good idea to turn off notifications. Finally, use social media wisely. Most platforms are for people 18 or older; keep children away from them.

For children with anxiety around technology, you can consider an anxiety medication without prescription. Many OTC options can help with mild-to-moderate symptoms.

Technology is helpful when used with rules and structure. Children with anxiety can struggle without boundaries. Contact a professional to discuss healthy technology habits.