[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?