Children and electronics

[BourbonChicken]

My 15 year old DS is accessing internet at night on his desktop computer/PS4 and I am struggling to deal with this. We have got a BT Home Hub and we have set up Access Controls so he can't use internet at certain times. However, he is easily able to bypass this (don't know how exactly).

He looked like death warmed up this morning. I insisted on looking at his computer history and saw that he has been on it for a large part of last night.

I am at my wit's end wondering how best to tackle this. Thinking of getting his PC/PS4 out of his bedroom but am wondering if he will sneak down in the night and use it even if placed downstairs. Maybe I will put them in my bedroom.

He has his PC and iPad password protected. I am thinking of getting him to remove this so I can check his history daily. He will probably find a way to cover his tracks anyway. I take his iPad to bed with me each night as it is.

It feels like dealing with a drug addict. He cannot self regulate his computer usage.

Anyone else had this problem and found effective strategies to deal with it?

[JanetOfTheApes]

Put a password on the wifi, or turn it off at a certain time. You don't need to touch devices when there is no internet to connect to.

[notquitehuman]

Take the cable out the PS4 or WiFi router at night. Or change the password regularly. It's pretty quick to do.

[Ughnotagain]

I'd take the actual router to bed with you. If you only unplug it he'd probably just go back downstairs and plug it in.

[Arpege]

Unplug the router and put it in your room.

Easy

[RudeElf]

[Arpege]

What's with the face?

[BourbonChicken]

He seems to be able access internet without our router being plugged using BT FON. I am assuming that he is accessing the BT internet network via one of our neighbour's routers as we all have BT on my Cul De Sac. I have changed the password to access our own router, but he can still get on the internet.

[Arpege]

Then I would take his equipment.

In fact, he's taking the piss out of you. I'd be taking all of it as punishment, which he can have back when he learns some responsibility.

[RudeElf]

It was confusion at why OP hasnt thought of the obvious solution of removing the devices. I'll bet he runs rings round her.

[RudeElf]

And ive crossposted with a post that confirms he does indeed run rings round her.

[RubbleBubble00]

Move computer and game station into a communal area

[MinecraftyMum]

Take his chargers for everything and hide them.

[BourbonChicken]

I do think that taking out the cables to his PC and PS4 every evening would work. I am just worried about damaging equipment if I am doing this repeatedly. However, it may be the only viable option.

[Spandexpants007]

How did he get to this stage? If he can't self regulate appropriately , I'd surprise him with a fortnight gadget free. Then reintroduce technology back in slowly.

[Arpege]

Yes I'm slightly taken aback by the helpless tone, I admit

[RudeElf]

My DC are 6 and 10. Rules are:

Ps4 stays in kitchen
Age appropriate games only
Youtube (on ps4) only with my permission and while i am in the room.
Ps vita in kitchen only.
Purchases only with my permission.

Break any rule and its a week ban from all devices. They dont break the rules anymore. its not difficult.

[Redbindippers101]

You can opt out of BT Fon, you can also change ISPs.

[Balletgirlmum]

I agree - take the equipment away.

I don't allow computer equipment in bedrooms as I know my two would be on it late at night too.

[BourbonChicken]

We are thinking about the devices going into a communal area. Trying to think of a good place to put them is the main issue. Still considering all options on this.

You are right that he is running rings around us and taking us for mugs.

[BourbonChicken]

How do you opt out of BT Fon? This I think has good possiblities of helping our situation immensly.

[Arpege]

I'm not trying to be a dick but he's 15 and you're clueless about technology.

Seriously he'll be the kid distributing porn around class because everyone else's parents have got the Internet on lockdown and his are still trying to work email.

You need to wise up quickly.

[ouryve]

If he can't be grown up and mature about his electronics usage, then he only gets to use his stuff in a public area of the house like a younger child.

Taking the cables away isn't going to do any damage, so long as it's a removable cable!

[BorderTerrierControl]

How do you opt out of BT Fon?

Well, assuming Google doesn't lead you to a page where you can opt out online, I'd start with calling them up, giving your account number, and telling them you want to opt out.

[BorderTerrierControl]

Here you go, C&P from the BT website, it's the first result when you Google 'bt fon opt out'. So I'd start by trying this:

To opt-out of BT Wi-fi simply follow the steps below:

Go to //www.bt.com/btfon

Click on the Check Status link on the left of the page

Enter your @btinternet.com email address and password and click on the Check Status button

Scroll down to the opt-out section.

Enter your @btinternet.com email address and password again and click Send

You will then see a notice confirming that the opt-out request has been accepted. Please follow the instructions in this message

[Southbucksoldbuffer]

To use the BT Fon on a neighbours router he will still need a login and password, or a credit/debit card. Can you change your BT login password or does he have his own?