1 . Kids are begging parents for cell phones at younger and younger ages, leaving families with tough choices to make. It might take some time to teach kids how to use phones as tools, not toys. Here are a few ways to get the message across.

Tell them not to use phones at school. Phones can be a distraction (干扰) from learning when used in the classroom.     1    In fact, 43% of teens admit that they often or sometimes use their phones as a way to avoid face-to-face communication with others.

Encourage them to contact long-distance relatives.     2     They’re also for keeping in touch with people who you may not get to talk to as often. If you have families who live in another city or state, ask your kids to strike up a conversation.

Lead by example. Setting an example is not only about how you use your phone, but also about how much you use it. When you feel bored and expect to glance over social media, fight it by taking a short walk.     3    

Advise them not to use phones at the dinner table. For many families, the only time they truly get together is breaking bread at tbe end of a long day.     4     Asking your children to leave their phones far from the dinner table is a great way to solve the problem.

    5     Sometimes, kids need a little push in order to make better choices about their phones. If they’re struggling with healthy habits, put some real-world events on the calendar. Good options include going to an amusement park, working together on a craft project or signing your kids up for sports.