Also struggling with this with my teen and agree that whatever app you install, there is a way around it. He manages to find video distractions on his computer when doing homework, needs his phone to check assignments and coordinate with friends but if you turn it on, it turns into Youtube videos, etc. It is really hard to police. And the more it is restricted, the more he craves it. We have gotten to the point where he sometimes needs to do his homework next to us so make sure he is not moving over to Roblox.

We sign him up for things and he does them. He gets good grades. He has friends. The issue is initiative. He will choose video over seeing friends or a social activity. He just waits for his free time and wants to fit video in. We just want him to initiate activities on his own. He will engage in activities, but only if I force him or schedule it.

Don't have a solution yet...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a radical idea, but stop supplying video games.

NP here. I'm wondering how this would work. Video games are accessible through so many devices these days, including devices that schools issue to students. I'm not saying that limiting access is bad, just that it wouldn't be easy, and just like flood water behind a wall, it only takes one hole to seep through. Also, would cutting off the supply from home be sufficient to take care of this situation? Is that how it works for drugs, alcohol, other addictions?

If you do not have the technological prowess to do this I am certain there are people who do this for a living.

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a radical idea, but stop supplying video games.

NP here. I'm wondering how this would work. Video games are accessible through so many devices these days, including devices that schools issue to students. I'm not saying that limiting access is bad, just that it wouldn't be easy, and just like flood water behind a wall, it only takes one hole to seep through. Also, would cutting off the supply from home be sufficient to take care of this situation? Is that how it works for drugs, alcohol, other addictions?

Qustodio limits time across devices. I put on a reasonable amount of time (1-2 hours) a day, and don't provide more time after that.

I know this is a radical idea, but stop supplying video games.

Anonymous wrote:To op:

How can you tell if he's addicted to video games? What are some signs?

Not OP, but for many it’s like a persistent fixation that they always want to get back to. Not interested in other things that would normally be fun.

Anonymous wrote:Encourage him to become a gym rat and build up muscle!

Also, get him to enroll in a swim class. Can't bring electronics in a pool with you.

To op:

How can you tell if he's addicted to video games? What are some signs?

Make him sign up for several clubs and activities.

Join Netflix, a girl friend , heavy school load! Take him for a drive, practice driving or both?

We sent our high schooler away for a 6 week long summer program with no electronics allowed. He made lots of friends and it snapped him out of that pattern.

I know this isn't helpful since it's September but I honestly don't know how else we would have gotten him off of it.

I know that you and your kid are not alone.

Encourage him to become a gym rat and build up muscle!

PT job.

Make him choose some after-school activities or a PT job.

It’s bad. We lost control over Covid. Our fault, but now need ideas. He’s 17