The scary truth about what’s hurting our kids

 Proof in actual research: Technology is destroying our children

I have been saying this for sometime: I truly believe the increase in mental illness and suicide among our children is a direct result of the amount of time that they (and their parents!) on their devices. I actually would argue this goes even farther into the violence and shootings we have seen. Kids are getting sicker. And I think the reasons why directly correlate with the amount of technology they are exposed to.

Folks, we have to stop this. And now. Kids have to get off of their smartphones. I would actually argue that they need to NOT have a phone at all. 

But don't just hear this from me. Check out the graphs in this post and then read the article for yourself: The scary truth about what's hurting our kids.

I encourage you to read this article for yourself, but even more than that, I'd like to challenge you to consider implementing the following types of changes in your own home: 

1. Don't let kids have smart phones. If they drive and you feel they need a phone, great, but YOU can limit how much they are using them. 
2. Swap chores for screen time. (Make them EARN it!)
3. Have completely technology-free areas of the house. Specifically, do not allow kids on their phones in their bedrooms. Kids should have NO electronics in their room.
4. Set up technology-free hours in your home. 
5. Get off your own device and spend time with your kids.
6. Spend dinnertime talking.
7. Drop everything that you are doing when your kids get home and TALK to them.
8. Make dinner without any devices available. 
9. Don't allow electronics in the car.
10. Be sure your child is getting enough sleep.
11. Focus on your children eating well.