Eating while using a phone is becoming a common habit among young children—do you notice this? This seemingly harmless action hides many risks to your child's health and development. Let's explore five reasons why this habit needs to change today, so your beloved child grows up healthy and full of energy!
How is eating while using a phone harmful to children?
Impact on your child's digestive system
When a child eats while using a phone, attention is no longer on the meal. Instead of chewing thoroughly and savoring the delicious food, the child merely swallows quickly to continue watching videos or playing games. This makes the stomach work harder, easily leading to bloating and indigestion. The child may complain of abdominal pain simply because they're engrossed in the screen and forget to eat properly. A slow, relaxed meal will help your child's digestive system work better. Do you agree?
Eating while using a phone leads to poor chewing and affects digestion
Reduced ability to taste
Have you ever noticed your child eating without praising how tasty it is or complaining about it being bland? That's because eating while using a phone causes the child to miss the opportunity to sense the flavors of the food. When eyes are glued to the screen, the brain is distracted and no longer focuses on enjoying the meals parents have painstakingly prepared. Instead of letting your child gradually become indifferent to family meals, try encouraging them to focus on eating. At other times, a colorful wooden puzzle or a cooking-play toy set can be a wonderful way to get the child excited about real food.
When using a phone, the child won't fully sense the flavors of the food
Easily leading to screen addiction
We understand that sometimes parents let their child eat while using a phone to keep them eating nicely. But you know, this can cause the child to become overly dependent on electronic devices. Each meal becomes a time they demand to view, gradually turning into a hard-to-break habit. Instead, try storytelling or playing with the child during meals. A cute animal hand puppet or a rattling toy will make the child smile and forget about the phone in no time.
Cute, quirky toys can more easily entice the child to eat
Affects eyes and posture
Sitting for hours eating while using a phone not only harms the eyes but also makes the child develop scoliosis. The blue light from the screen tires the eyes and may increase the risk of myopia. Not to mention, the extended head-down posture while eating can lead to neck and back pain. We recommend creating a comfortable dining space without technology. A small, cute study desk can help the child sit properly, eat, and chat with the family.
Your child will enjoy mealtime more when eating at a cute little table
Loss of family connection
Mealtimes are when the family gathers and chats, but eating while using a phone makes the child distant from everyone. We have seen many families where the child is absorbed in the screen and doesn't even respond when parents ask questions. This not only reduces bonding but also makes the child less able to learn communication skills. Try replacing the phone with simple games like building models, which are fun and help the child develop thinking while staying close to the family.
Replace the phone with building/assembly games
When is it appropriate to let a child use a phone?
There is no fixed timeframe for all kids. However, experts recommend allowing children 6–12 years old and up to use a phone, with duration and content strictly controlled. In practice, many parents even prohibit children from watching phones in the early years. Children should prioritize developing physical activity, thinking, and real-life communication over early exposure to screens. If use is needed, guide children on using a phone as a safe learning and entertainment tool, rather than letting them be drawn into the virtual world too soon. Do you want your child to master technology, or be led by technology?
Many parents also ban their children from using phones in the early years
Làm sao để bé bỏ thói quen này?
Don't worry if your child has gotten used to eating while using a phone; changing is totally possible! Start by turning off all devices during mealtimes, and model the behavior by not using your phone yourself. Instead, encourage your child to help prepare meals with mom, or play creative games after eating. A science and discovery toy set will get them more excited than sitting glued to a screen.
-
Eating while studying: what will happen? 5 surprising health harms
-
Should we let the child watch TV early? 3 effective alternatives
Don't ever think that eating while using a phone is convenient because it has many harms for your child that we can't foresee. From digestion and eyes to family connection, all are affected. Let's try the simple methods we suggested to help your child break this habit and move toward a healthier and happier life!
