Teenage Boys - Having no screens

[UppityUpUpDoon]

Based off another couple of threads where posters have said their pre-teen or teenage boys don't want to do anything in the house other than go on X box, switch or watch YouTube.

I have three young boys (8 and under) and this terrifies me. Currently, they play so nicely together all day (and fight occasionally!), and the idea of them withdrawing makes me so sad.

I'm also thinking of my brothers as teens and the fact I barely saw them because they also were gaming (not online, so I can only imagine it's even more addictive now). Dh said he wasn't allowed any games as a teen, just TV on the weekend, and instead played football everyday (my brothers also did everyday until about age 11).

My question is has anyone successfully banned all screens for their teens, including TV? I'd love to hear from you and what have been the upsides and also challenges.

(As an aside, I know many parents are happy setting and sticking to limits and see the positives in screens, but I'd really like to explore an alternative.)

Nice idea in theory, but banning all screens feels pretty harsh. For many teenage boys, gaming is a massive part of how they socialise with friends. Completely removing that could set them apart from their peers and exclude them from shared experiences. Focus on balance and boundaries rather than a total ban.

I don’t do this and I don’t know anyone who does this. I also don’t think it would end well as I really feel there is balance to be had during the teen years about maintaining a good relationship with your teen while holding on to boundaries and banning all screens would be too controlling and they would resent you for it, and you’d end up in a constant power struggle.

it is really more about having boundaries and balance with the screens. Focus on getting them into sports and hobbies now and that will sustain them throughout their teen years. Help them develop healthy screen habits.

My teen DD does not spend her whole time on screens because she is not allowed to - I have rules around it. But even if I didn’t, She has a sport that she is very involved in, she also has another hobby that takes time. She is into meeting her friends in real life.

Like it or loathe it’s a massive part of how they socialise and they’ll miss out if you ban it. Best bet is to get them into sport so that training and matches will take up a huge amount of their time. Along with hobbies especially things like musical instruments or lego that they won’t age out of. And be willing to host get togethers, sleepovers with all the good snacks so when they are gaming it’s multiplayer with their mates all in the same room. Or at least that’s what’s worked really well for my 17YO nephew who is lovely and really well balanced.

Ridiculous idea. Times have changed since the 90s when kids didn't have screens. Screens are now a crucial part of life. You can put boundaries in place and limits for younger children but an outright ban for teenagers wouldn't have many positives.

100% agree with this.
Its 2026, the world is totally different place!

There’s a middle ground to be had. DS is 17 now and he’s always had a really nice balance that we haven’t had to monitor. Gaming was an important part of his social life for a while especially during Covid but once they started venturing out into town etc on their own that became more important.

He’s very well rounded now, still games but also studies for his a levels, has a part time job, a girl friend, has nights out with his mates, goes to concerts, camping, hiking.

You’ll probably find your boys will self regulate.