Red flags in your kid’s digital minefield

As I read this story, I think of the farming element in my family and how many rural parents might scoff at a thing like a Clinic for Interactive Media and Internet Disorders. That's because their parenting (and the conducive environment) hardly needs these cures and mitigation measures, because they're already integrated into their kids' lifestyles. They're out and about, horse-riding, fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, visiting kids on neighbouring farms, often riding there on a motorbike or driving a vehicle they're too young to be licensed for. Yet make no mistake, these kids are not immune to the addictive lure of digital media. This story provides some pragmatic advice and waves some red flags. What struck me is that most kids seen at the above mentioned clinic suffer from ADHD or social anxiety. These (often undiagnosed) conditions lead to children seeking the easy stimulus of a screen or play station. Devices are much safer than interacting with people. I love the counter-intuitive advice; sit down with your kid, take a play-station console; join in. A screen shouldn't replace a parent. Also; don't ration screen time (that's like adding chocolate to ice-cream) – increasing the allure. Rather limit it, encourage alternatives, recreational-planning. Other picks? Device-free zones, leading by adult example, family suppers. Nice when science and age-old farm-wisdom embrace, ne? – Chris Bateman

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