DS is autistic/PDA and coming up to 16. Mainstream school, highly masked/internal presentation. He’s had a smartphone for years but it’s only the last year he’s been using it more to communicate with friends and wanting to go on social media (he doesn’t post but follows).
He’s been content to let us manage that all with Google family link as we have always done. Checking messages on apps we can, time restrictions, downtime, location sharing all on etc. Leaves phone downstairs at bed.
He’s recently asked to change the downtime time (for the incredibly rare times he’s out late) but otherwise seems happy to continue as is. I’m very conscious though that he’s coming up to 16 and likely needs us to loosen the reins a bit on this. But I’m nervous as he’s still so young in many ways and it’s hard balancing his physical age with developmental age.
How did you manage the transition to digital independence for your teens?