I am done being a digital parent

AS a parent, I would like to comment on the story titled, ‘Social Media is seriously affecting children’s mental health’ published recently in the ZO. I must say, I agree.

I vowed that when I had children, I would never be one of those parents who allows them unlimited screen time or buys them tablets, and yet here I am.

The harsh truth is that trying to balance work stress and the pressure of being a supermom has made me a ‘digital’ parent.

After a long day at work, it seems easier to give in to the demands of my children, and I work hard for them, so I want them to have everything they want.

In full transparency, I struggle with the peer pressure of not wanting my kids to feel like aliens when their friends and cousins all have phones.

However, this story was a huge wake-up call for me.

Children can be mean, and for too long, as parents, we have fallen into the trap of allowing technology to ‘parent’ our children.

I am saying enough is enough, because I realise that it is the holidays and my household does not wake up with the desire to explore the outdoors, instead it’s all about TikToks and the PlayStation.

For the sake of my children’s mental health and well-being, I will be limiting their screen time and implementing stricter parental controls.
Will they despise me? Yes.

Do I care? No, because I would rather be the bad guy now than witness them suffering at the hands of cyberbullies.

I NEED them to experience a normal childhood of playing outside and enjoying their innocence before the world tries to take that from them.

TAKING BACK THE REINS

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