How to help them put down the phone and engage without causing a major meltdown…

[Sinequa]

It seems that DD has become addicted to her phone. It is constantly in her hand. DH and I are not like this - I was well into my 20s before I got a mobile so never formed the reliance on it. We are having so many battles about it. I have to restrict her data/wifi or she’d be awake until the early hours. Physically taking the phone has not worked (violent outbursts). How can we help her to reengage with life? A year ago she’d read, chat, watch TV, play, play sport etc. Now it’s a massive effort to get her to do any of this stuff without a meltdown. It just can’t be healthy to be so dependent on a device. Any tips?

PS Her school life is currently disrupted by RAAC meaning only 1 or 2 days in school a week with all other teaching done remotely so going cold turkey on tech isn’t an option and would be socially isolating.

How old is she?

How old is she?

You need to take the phone off her, if she is violent call the police but absolutely do not back down.

I took my dds phone off her for a month when she was 13 for slightly different reasons but it was transformative for her. She was like a completely different child, happier, more engaged and interested in life.

Even she realised in hindsight how toxic the phone had become.

When she got it back it was with strict rules about how long she could go on it and what she could have (no social media.)

This was doable at 13 less so if your child is 16/17...