5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Pry Your Teen from Their Phone (and what to do instead)

Getting your teen off their phone can be frustrating, but some common approaches can actually backfire. Here are five mistakes to avoid and what you should do instead:

1. Yelling or Punishing

Why it doesn’t work: Confrontational tactics can lead to power struggles, making your teen even more attached to their phone.
 

What to do instead: Stay calm and explain your concerns. Work together to set healthy boundaries around screen time.

2. Taking Away the Phone Without Warning

Why it doesn’t work: Suddenly removing access can make teens feel punished and resentful, increasing their desire for the phone.
 

What to do instead: Have a conversation about phone use and involve your teen in setting limits. Gradual changes lead to better results.

3. Criticizing Their Use

Why it doesn’t work: Constantly criticizing their habits can make them defensive and less open to change.
 

What to do instead: Show interest in what they’re doing on their phone. Use this as an opportunity to guide them toward more balanced tech habits.

4. Not Setting a Good Example

Why it doesn’t work: Teens are more likely to mimic your behavior than listen to what you say. If you’re constantly on your phone, they’ll feel justified doing the same.
 

What to do instead: Model the phone habits you want to see. Set designated no-phone times for everyone, like during meals or family time.

5. Not Offering Alternatives

Why it doesn’t work: Simply telling them to get off their phone without offering other activities can make them feel bored or deprived.
 

What to do instead: Encourage activities that engage them outside of their screens, like sports, hobbies, or family outings, so they have fulfilling alternatives to screen time.

The Bottom Line:

The key is to approach tech limits with understanding, open communication, and setting realistic boundaries that your teen can accept and follow.