Reply to Is it terribly depressing to be a low or middle class teen during the summer?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Parenting pro-tip:  if you are concerned that social media is interfering with your teenagers lives this summer, limit or take away their electronics.  It’s summer FFS.  They should have something better to do than spend hours glued to a screen. And if they don’t, send them to my house where they can fold laundry or empty the dishwasher with whichever of my kids I caught whining about being bored because no iPhone.

Kids without electronics are really miserable for a couple days while they detox. But after that they are nicer, happier people. It’s good for them to really disconnect some during the summer.

And while you are at it, walk the walk.  Weekends, evenings, vacations, etc, put your electronics somewhere else and pick up a book or do something with your kids.

And yes— I have actual teens (14 & 16). Their world really doesn’t end if their electronics usage is limited to checking email on the family desktop and the flip phone they take with them when they leave the house. [/quote]

You live and think unrealistically.  I have 15 year old twins.  They have summer jobs and are out of the house all day.  I need them to have electronics so they can stay connected and I can reach them.  Flip phones are stupid. They need iPads or laptops to get summer work assignments done.  You sound disconnected from the real world.[/quote]

Of course it’s realistic. Are you sure you aren’t 15?  Flip phones may be “stupid,” but they work just fine to call and let me know they need to be picked up or for me to call and leave a message.  If there is an actual reason to text, they can check out their iPhone from me. Laptops can be checked out for summer homework— but most summer homework is reading books and doing math packets and does not need a laptop.  If there is an actual need for electronics, they can ask for whatever electronics they need, and I will let them use them. Otherwise, there is nothing unrealistic about disconnecting them for the summer.   They aren’t even out of step socially. They both have friends at various camps and programs that do not allow electronics for weeks at a time. .

Yes, it might be harder on you to have to call instead of text, and put up with the pushback from teens in electronics detox. You might not like the idea that you would have to put down the iPhone too and be a role model.  But it’s sad if you can’t imagine a family vacation where all electronic stay home, expect the iPhone which stay in your purse, on vibrate, unless you need it (not want it).    But it is completely realistic. [/quote]

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