Removing a games console?

[SomelikeitHoth]

Has anyone taken away or banned their teen from using a game console?
If you gave it back after a certain length of time, did the poor behaviour return or did things improve ?

Yes I've taken away games consoles although it's probably easier to take away the headset.

I would try and give a warning first but if that's not possible because it's after the event I'd give a clear calm message about how long the console is going fit and why.

I've even been known to take the WiFi hub to bed with me/out with me on my handbag.

@JiltedJohnsJulie

Yes I've taken away games consoles although it's probably easier to take away the headset.

I would try and give a warning first but if that's not possible because it's after the event I'd give a clear calm message about how long the console is going fit and why.

I've even been known to take the WiFi hub to bed with me/out with me on my handbag.

It was July 2019. We tried everything. Visual coundowns, interval reminder and even a timing device. Nothing worked and the last straw was when he smashed the timer. Every day he was pushing me out of the living room, shouting down the headset, talking to random a (this was a no ) and refusing to go out. He was obsessed

Is your post that old?

How are things now?

I took the controllers away while youngest was at school, he got them back when bedroom was tidied and clean laundry put away (third day of asking). Only took him about 20 minutes. Will probably do it again next time, it worked well.

I don't understand the timeframe? Why are you talking about July? Have I missed something? I just answered what I thought was quite a straightforward question.

Because even now he is still asking for the console back.

So you took the games console away in July 2019 and now, over a year later have not given it back?

That's right. He was so addicted and aggressive

Wow.

@SomelikeitHoth did his behaviour improve after that/ did he find alternative activities. I’m struggling with this with my nearly 14 year old. He’s pretty much obsessed and has some of the same behaviours you describe.

You took away the console 17 months ago? Did it have the desired effect?

I could not stand any more aggression/the shouting / being pushed out of the living room/ him getting up very early to try to play on it / massive meltdowns. He is still pestering us for it back and he is very bitter about it but I know he will go straight back to the same behaviours.
The game Fortnite seriously messed with his whole wellbeing and hugely disrupted our lives with the shocking effect it had.

Give it back with strict written rules and tell him in that any braking of them means it goes.
If its been gone that long than he needs another change to prove he´s more mature than he was.
Give him a chance so that if he fails you can say that you gave him the chance. He may surprise you and you can also try and use to incentivise good behaviour - extra time per chore or good thing you see etc
You can always take it back

Totally agree with negomi. The written rules idea is genius.

Don't be afraid to turn off the WiFi at a set time either.

We've had written rules before and he just ignored them and got very aggressive when wi fi turned off after a countdown

How old is he and how long was he allowed to play for?