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[quote=Anonymous]Posters 17:57 and 18:30, I understand your (valid) points but your tone is harsh.  We all need to be more kind and show empathy.

I am going through this with one of my kids right now.  DC is in 8th.  Excellent student.  Participates in a couple of sports and one club.  But s/he is addicted to screens.  My husband and I really had to hear from child's doctors how significant the addiction is.  I had to change my mindset -- i.e., this is an addiction like an alcohol or drug addiction.  However, the doctors have told me that (unlike alcohol), my child's brain is still developing and s/he may be able to handle screen time once older.

BTW, I did not realize how bad it was until I really tracked screen use every day for about 2 weeks.  Wow, was I surprised.

For now:

1) No screen time.  Yes, NO screen time.  Only exceptions will be for a family movie night or sports events.

Restrictions enacted on TV (Verizon FIOS) - code needs to be entered to access TV.  Screen time app used for Apple devices (but we need to check this daily because there are definitely bugs with Apple - UGH).  Also have blocks on our Internet as needed.  This has been a royal pain but I've just gotta get it done.

Kids have figured out work-arounds (including using their phone's hotspot) so we keep adjusting.

2) We are having to adjust screen time expectations/rules in our entire household.  Yes, this includes me and husband :-)

3) We are going to have to start doing more activities as a family (or some family members) to ensure we are more balanced.  So we are making an effort to do board and card games, bike rides, hikes, etc.  Also, develop play lists to play music at home.  Going to bookstores, etc. which will be difficult because a couple of my kids do not love reading due to learning challenges.

Through therapy, I have learned that it's not my job to make sure my kids aren't bored.  They are old enough to figure out and plan activities.  This has been freeing for me.

4) iPhone/laptop use for all my kids is changing.  No TikTok.  No YouTube.  Older kids may get more privileges but other middle school kids will only use device for phone, text, music and school apps.  NO OTHER APPS for younger kids.  And all devices collected at night (8 - 9 pm depending on age).

5) PlayStation and Switch are being moved out of our house - so no access to these devices for next few months, at least.  I am guessing we will go at least 6 months without.

6) Clear consequences if rules are broken.

7) Required time playing outside or doing a physical activity.

This is not going to be easy.  But I am hopeful that it will be good for all of us.

Heads up, I encourage you to Google device and screen time addiction.  There are a bunch of NIH/NIMH studies and other good info out there about how important it is for all of us to be aware of the issue and address it with ourselves and our kids.

Good luck![/quote]

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