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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

DD15 Addicted to Smartphone

81 replies

Etainagain · 27/01/2014 18:51

My 15 yr old DD spends virtually every waking moment glued to her smartphone screen (fortunately, she isn't allowed a mobile at school, so there are some enforced breaks during term time). When I threaten to take it off her, she goes ballistic and her personality changes completely. She behaves like someone addicted to a hard drug, wide eyed and manic just at the very thought of her phone being taken away for a short time (I only suggested that she hand her phone over to me when she goes to bed). Her reaction and bad temper really scares me. Thing is, she is somehow managing to keep up with her school work and, at the moment, is predicted to get A*s in all subjects except one. She says that there is no reason to take her phone away as that would be punishing her when she is actually doing really well. She has got two GCSEs coming up this year and the rest next year. I don't know what to do....should I restrict her use or do you think that if she is doing OK I shouldn't worry? I should add that she doesn't get pocket money and she doesn't go out very often (never at night). Apart from the phone and the usual teenage tantrums and door slamming, she is no trouble. I'm just worried that she could throw everything away just for the sake of chatting or whatever they do on Instagram.

OP posts:
horsetowater · 30/01/2014 10:51

Someone told me that they took their kids on holiday somewhere where there was no internet and they spent the whole time hovering around the car not knowing what to do with themselves.

When we are in such a situation, my oldest is like that - but my youngest finds things to do. DH spends most of the time climbing up hills to see if he can get a signal.

Digital detox is a good idea.

chocoluvva · 30/01/2014 10:54

When people first got email they quickly became hooked on constantly checking their inbox....

horsetowater · 30/01/2014 10:56

It's the dopamine thing. I wonder if the same is said for Mumsnet, is there dopamine in a reply to a post?????

Confused
chocoluvva · 30/01/2014 11:00

Probably. Blush

birminghamrw · 27/10/2016 08:18

Smartphone addiction isn't the sole province of teenagers. My partner (43) pores over messageboards for hours every night in bed rather than engage, and seems to use the phone - unconsciously, or otherwise - as a way of maintaining emotional and physical distance.

alslittlesingers · 02/02/2024 17:15

Advice please! My ds walks round the house holding his phone with the sound on. I hate the fact that he has this annoying sound effect that follows him around (including going to the bathroom!). I have explained to him countless times that he needs to wait till he gets to his room before he starts watching. Anyone got ant bright ideas how I can get him to change his behaviour?

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