Enea is now 4.5 years old and has a smartwatch, a tablet and, more recently, a smartphone. There is also a Fire TV stick on the TV in the living room.
Enea has been able to operate the remote control for the Fire TV stick perfectly for more than 2 years. To be honest, when I held the remote control in my hand for the first time years ago, I was a bit overwhelmed.
In December 2022, he went to kindergarten for the first time and since then, he has had a smartwatch with its own SIM card. I can locate him at any time, he can make an emergency call, and he can also call me (including video calls).
I never actually explained the smartwatch to him because I was really only interested in the tracking. But again, he rapidly figured out how to take photos and video call dad.
Is his world already too digital?
He got his tablet around mid-2023 so he can watch Netflix or YouTube Kids when we’re out and about. This also gives me the chance to enjoy my food warm because he’s distracted.
He got his smartphone at the beginning of May 2024. Again, he quickly found out how it works and what he can do with it – despite the restrictions imposed by Family Link. He now also has a few games on his smartphone.
Of course, I wanted to introduce Enea to the digital world at a very early age because that will also be his future. I think it’s good if he grows up with it and doesn’t have to learn how the technology works in a few years’ time.
But I’m starting to have doubts whether this is the right approach. The costs for the 3 SIM cards are relatively low (around 1,400 THB / approx. 35 euros).
Unfortunately, I have to observe that he very often has the smartphone in his hand and plays his games. There are big discussions every time I want him to put the smartphone away.
Changes in his behavior
Since Enea has a few games on his tablet and smartphone, he now just wants to spend all his time playing them. Whereas we used to go to the indoor playground almost every day after school, he now prefers to spend his time at home with his games.
When I tell him to take a break, he does so – but only reluctantly.
Yes, he still plays with his friends, or we go to the indoor playground, but not as often as he used to. Of course, I will keep a close eye on his behavior and intervene if necessary and take the devices away from him again – or limit his screen time even further.
Feedback on the topic “Digital children’s world” is welcome!
What do you think about this? How do you handle this with your children?
I would be delighted to receive feedback.
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