To limit DD 17 phone time?

[CorkBottlePink]

DD is 17 and in Year 12.

Considering the fact that she's due to leave home for university next year, it feels ridiculous to contemplate limiting phone time, but she is absolutely addicted. I think it's wrecking her mood and concentration span.

Has anyone limited their Sixth Former's phone time?

I wonder how long per day. 3 hours?

Thanks

You can’t limit a 17 year old’s phone time. You can switch the wifi off and let her pay for her own contract and data but that’s about it.

Talk to her about your concerns. Explain why you think she should have more discipline around the phone use. But no you can't limit her phone use.

I've tried, many times, to discuss it with her, but she goes crazy! If really is an addiction.

I don't know what to do. It gives her such a horrible low mood.

I mean... it is your house. The WiFi can go off for everyone at XX time, you don't need to pay for her phone contract, you can set house rules that EVERYONE abides by. Teaching by modelling and taking part in it. Just the same if you had a concern with an unhealthy diet; everyone would eat the same healthy dinner, you wouldn't pay for unhealthy food, you would talk about healthy eating and support by taking part in the process. I had one family I know have a box for phones downstairs, phones only allowed in social areas and never in bedrooms- they were in the box where the chargers were (not sure if it may be too much to start that one) but the kids ended up kind of liking it and continued to take part when they came back from uni.

Lead by example and reduce your own screen time. Turn the WiFi off.

I’d be inclined to try and find out what she’s doing on there that’s causing her to have such a low mood and approach it from that angle. I think limiting it at this age is just going to isolate her - it’s how her whole generation socialises now.

Id be more concerned with asking her what is causing her mood to fluctuate on her phone. I have a younger 12 year old girl who ive unfortunately had to teach about people not being who they say, tiktok trends with self harm or eating disorders, trans issues, furries, vanity and image insecurity, cyber bullying. It runs a lot deeper than doomscrolling at their young ages and trying to limit screen time may be the worst way to handle things. For example if she is getting stick online, her not having access to her phone may make her panic because shes not able to delete/manage whats visible. I appreciate im reaching here but its never unhelpful to suggest all possibilities and root causes. I hope you can help her look up and out to the world in whatever method works x

How many hours per day does she spend on it?