Tips for Cutting Down a Teen's Phone Use & TV Time

Although the excessive use of cell phones and TVs simply seems like a waste of time, limitless access to the electronic devices might have additional consequences. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teens who use electronics for an average of seven hours per day run the risk of developing eating and sleeping disorders or struggling with attention difficulties and obesity. Develop ways to cut your teenagers̵7; use of electronics to reduce those risks.

  1. Establish Rules

    • Rather than letting your teen use her phone or watch TV whenever she wants, set limits that only allow her to use the technology when she̵7;s met certain conditions. WebMD suggests creating family guidelines for TV and cell phone use, such as no electronics during meals or until she̵7;s finished chores and homework. In addition, the Center on Media and Child Health recommends finding ways to prevent your teen from circumventing the rules, such as making her turn her cell phone off at bedtime or requiring her to leave it with you at night so she can̵7;t continue to talk or text after you̵7;ve gone to sleep.

    Arrange Activities

    • Get your teen involved in extracurricular activities to help him develop additional interests, make new friends and reduce the amount of time he spends watching TV or talking on the phone. WebMD suggests finding activities that enable your teen to interact with his peers face-to-face as opposed to just talking to them on the phone. In addition to school and city sports programs or clubs, consider involving your teen in volunteer opportunities around your community.

    Set an Example

    • If you want your teen to limit her cell phone use or time spent watching TV, ensure that you̵7;re reducing your use of the devices, too. If you̵7;re constantly answering calls or sending text messages while you̵7;re eating dinner in a restaurant, for example, your teen might follow your lead and spend the meal talking to her friends via cell phone. Purdue University notes that although you might not be aware of your own behavior, your children are watching and might be developing habits based on the model of your actions.

    Banish Devices

    • If, despite your efforts, your teenager doesn't cut back his TV watching or phone use, the AAP suggests setting up ̶0;screen-free̶1; areas throughout your home. For example, the AAP recommends banning devices such as cell phones, TVs and video games from your teen̵7;s bedroom or the dining room so he won̵7;t be tempted to use the electronics.

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