[nofunphil]

Going thru this now with an 11 yo and 14 yo.

It’s a non-stop, swash-buckling battle to get them to put down their phones and do literally anything IRL. Their attention has been completely hijacked, their childhood robbed from them, and I feel like it’s pretty much a total parent fail on my part. But it’s the same with all their friends too. Shameful and sad and just wrong

At the risk of ridicule, I think we need to incentivize kids/people to use social media less. Think, “Touch grass. Earn points.”

Faroff dot fun

[antisthenes]

> It’s a non-stop, swash-buckling battle to get them to put down their phones and do literally anything IRL.

What a bizarre statement. You are their parent. They are 11 and 14.

You can physically take their phones away. If they accept it - give the devices back. If they keep throwing tantrums - don't.

Obviously that is a last resort, but it seems like you've already tried other things and failed.

[AstralStorm]

As a former teen who had parents try this, we were wily enough to find the relevant computer power cables quickly. And it's harder today.

You won't win this way. The kid will obtain a second device and you'll have both a screaming match and an uphill battle. Or they will mooch elsewhere and forget about seeing your kid.

[iforgot22]

My parents didn't let me have video games as a kid. Sure I could still play at a friends' house, but it was very different from having my own console or handheld.

[nofunphil]

Do you have kids?

[AstralStorm]

Competing with free enjoyment is pretty hard, yeah. I'd recommend IRL friends going out, good time to try is a holiday or two.

Sports can also be reasonably fun. Kid parties are a thing. Etc.