- How many hours can be considered healthy for a child or teenager to play on a computer, Xbox, cell phone, etc.?
- We've agreed on a 3-hour daily screen time limit at home, but my son doesn't respect it because he doesn't think it's enough. He gets angry and won't stop. What should we do? Should we take it away by force?
- If students have to use screens at home for academic purposes, how can we "control" that they don't misuse them when doing schoolwork without their parents being present?
- How can we make teenagers understand the consequences of overexposure to screens?
- Is it okay for a child under 2 years old to already be interacting with screens?
- At what age can we introduce screens and in what way?
- My 6-year-old son has just started playing Nintendo and keeps asking for my phone to play games or watch YouTube. He does several extracurricular activities, goes to the hiking club, and plays with his friends the rest of the time, but at home he just wants to look at screens. Should I set a time limit?
- How do you manage a child who won't put their phone down when they have to study, neglecting their studies and responsibilities at home?
- When they're little, we set limits; you can even just take away their technology. But at certain ages, you set time limits, and there are days when it's harder to get them to listen because they seem to be frustrated with the world. Then you can't take away their technology so easily. What do we do?
- I would like an alternative to blackmail or the punishment of taking away the console if he doesn't do his homework first.
- How can we manage our children's privacy by monitoring or not monitoring the content of their conversations?
- How can we explain to our children what things are private and what things are so private that they shouldn't be shared even in private?
- How can I teach her responsible screen use if she sees me constantly using them for remote work?
- Can addiction manifest as a pure obsession? That is, without any outwardly visible compulsion, only as ruminative thought?
- I think my daughter uses her mobile phone excessively, how can I tell if she has a mobile phone addiction?
- When a child under 14 may have a possible screen addiction, is one of the first symptoms aggression? Is it normal for them to notice that there are states that create anxiety and that they cannot control this aggression and impulsivity?
- What guidelines can we follow to help a 19-year-old stop being addicted?
- When there is an addiction, what should be done to wean the person off screens?
We've agreed on a 3-hour daily screen time limit at home, but my son doesn't respect it because he doesn't think it's enough. He gets angry and won't stop. What should we do? Should we take it away by force?
Let's take this step by step. It seems you've decided on the screen time, but not reached a consensus, as he's not happy with it. By consensus, we mean when all parties agree. On the other hand, reaching a consensus on screen time can be complicated because there are other things to consider, such as the child's age and how they're using the screen. For example, it's not the same for a 16-year-old to do homework, play games, and socialize with friends in those 3 hours as it is for an 8-year-old to spend 3 hours a day playing video games. Therefore, it's very important to analyze the child's developmental stage, their needs, and the family situation to determine the appropriate screen time and reach a consensus if necessary.
On the other hand, anger in the face of a situation that a child doesn't agree with or understand is a legitimate emotion; it's normal for them to be angry if they disagree. However, even when angry, there are behaviors that need to be redirected. In the face of a critical situation, a moment of anger, if we forcibly remove the child, it's likely that the distress will escalate for both the child and their family. Therefore, it usually works better, as adults, to review the situation, the guidelines we've provided, and make adjustments for future situations.
For example, if they don't want to stop after the agreed-upon time, we let them know. If they don't stop and it gets late for dinner, bed, or whatever, we can ask ourselves: Did we set an alarm for the end of the activity? Did we stay with them and let them know during the last few moments? Does this happen in all situations or only on certain days? Is it necessary or advisable for them to be online for 3 hours a day? What activity do they have to do when the time is up? These kinds of reflections on the problematic situation can help us better plan our routines, supporting our son or daughter through the discomfort they may experience when they stop doing a rewarding activity to start one that is likely less enjoyable. Furthermore, if those of us who are with the child are aware that this emotion is normal, it helps us avoid becoming frustrated or angry about their frustration, preventing the conflict from escalating at home and improving the family atmosphere.
