My 14 year old spends 6+ hours a day on TikTok

JoshNew Dad

Apr 23·1 min read

I set screen time limits on her iPhone but she figured out how to request more time and I keep approving it because she says she needs it for school projects. She's not. I checked her screen time breakdown and it's 90% social media, 10% actual apps. Her grades are slipping and she's moody when she's not on her phone. How do you guys actually enforce this without being the bad guy? I feel like I'm losing a battle I should be winning.

4 comments178 views

Comments(4)

AAndrew T.RegularApr 25

Yeah I'm gonna be honest, approving the extra time each time she asks is probably not the move here. I get it though, it's easier than the argument. But 6+ hours is basically her whole day outside school and sleep.

AAndrew T.RegularApr 24

This one's tough. I struggle with the same thing but from a different angle - I'm always trying to figure out what the actual limits should be. 6 hours is a lot though. Have you talked to her about why TikTok specifically has such a pull?

BBrandonNew DadApr 25

The approval request thing is tricky because now you're in a negotiation every time. Maybe instead of approving the extra time, have a conversation about why she needs so much screen time? Could be something else going on.

BBrandonRegularApr 24

You might need to set the hard limit and stick to it, even when she asks for more. The frustration now is worth it instead of dealing with worse habits later.