Pre-Teen Spending Too Much Time Online
The Situation
Your 10-12 year old is constantly on devices - gaming, social media, or YouTube - and resists any limits you try to set.
Goal
Establish healthy screen time boundaries while teaching digital responsibility.
What to Say
"Screen time is a privilege that comes with responsibility." "Let's make a tech agreement together." "I need devices turned in at bedtime. That's not negotiable."
What Not to Say
"You're addicted to that thing!" "No screens for a month!" "In my day we played outside..."
3-Step Plan
Set clear family tech rules together: when screens are allowed, how long, what content, no devices in bedrooms at night.
Use parental controls appropriately for their age. Check in on what they're doing online with curiosity, not suspicion.
Create screen-free family time. Model healthy device habits yourself.
Follow Up
Review the tech agreement regularly. Adjust as they show responsibility. Discuss online safety and digital citizenship.
Safety Note
Monitor for concerning behavior - communicating with strangers, accessing inappropriate content, or cyberbullying.
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