Maintaining a healthy relationship with tech

As technology becomes a more important part of our everyday lives, screen time will inevitably increase. But that’s not necessarily a good thing. Unfortunately, with the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic and enforced lockdowns around the world, people – especially children – are spending much more time in front of a screen, which could lead to a poor relationship with technology.

To help build healthier behaviours around tech – no matter how old you are – here are some helpful tips.

Take a digital inventory

Do you know how many screens there are in your house? It might be far more than you expect. TVs, desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, portable video games – the list goes on and on.

While having lots of screens isn’t necessarily a bad thing, without knowing how many devices to manage you’ll never be able to alter your – and your family’s – technology habits. So, one day this week, why not take some time to walk around your home and do a ‘screen stocktake’. Who knows? Maybe you have some long-lost devices that you can get rid of! There are many ways to ethically and responsibly get rid of your old digital devices. From donating them to recycling them, Choice has a comprehensive list of resources you can research.

Create a ‘daily downtime’ for screens

Much like dieting and exercise, we tend to fall off the wagon because we set our goals too high at the beginning. Instead of going for a full-blown digital detox where you can’t even look at your phone, start small.

This could mean a set time each day where you aren’t around any screens, or maybe you have certain days where you don’t watch TV, for example.

Be a good role model

Technology is part and parcel of modern parenthood in Australia. However, the relationships your children form with their devices are in many ways influenced by how you display your technology behaviours. According to the Real Insurance Parents and Technology Survey, one in two parents say their children tell them to get off their phones or tablets at least once a week. What does that say about our own relationship with technology?

It’s easy to tell the kids to turn off the TV and go outside to play – it’s much harder to do the same thing ourselves. But if you want to start effecting real change and help your children develop healthier habits with technology, it has to start with the person they look up to the most: you.

Make an effort to spend family time together – without technology

So, how do you take that first step towards less screen time? One good idea is to spend more time together as a family – without devices. Digital-free downtime with your loved ones is a great habit to get into, and it can help you bond with the family while at the same time reducing your reliance on technology.

Do your kids usually spend Saturday mornings playing video games? Why not instead all go for a long bike ride together or drive down to the beach? Instead of movie night, play board games. Are you missing out on special moments with your children because of work calls after-hours? Set a do-not-disturb message on your phone or email one day of the week and stick to your own rules.

Even just an hour each day doing things with your family instead of sitting in front of a screen can quickly become a fun habit.

Get positive!

Change won’t happen overnight – and it shouldn’t have to. In order to develop a truly positive relationship with technology, change has to start small and be manageable. Screen time is still perfectly normal and enjoyable, but it doesn’t have to be a staple of your – and your family’s – life 24/7.

The best way to protect the life you’ve worked so hard to build for your family is to get the right type of insurance. Get a quick quote for Life Insurance today or call Real Insurance on 1300 377 325.