Son is addicted to YouTube shorts and I'm losing my mind

2d ago1 min read

My 10 year old has figured out how to get around pretty much every parental control I set up. He's spending 3+ hours a day scrolling through YouTube shorts when he thinks I'm not looking. I've tried limiting screen time with Apple's tools, taking his device away, negotiating with him. Nothing sticks. He literally sneaks into the kitchen at 11pm to grab my iPad. Am I the only one dealing with this or does everyone's kid do this? I'm starting to think I need to go full caveman and just not have any screens in the house.

4 comments163 views

Comments(4)

CChris M.Regular2d ago

Losing my mind too with similar stuff. These kids are growing up in a completely different world than we did. What have you tried so far? Maybe we can brainstorm some new approaches.

KKyleRegular2d ago

Have you tried just having a conversation with him about why he's drawn to it? My 10 year old admits the algorithm is designed to make him keep watching and once I explained that to him, he was actually more willing to step away. Still struggles but at least he gets it now.

KKevin M.New Dad1d ago

Oh man, the YouTube Shorts arms race is REAL. I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now. My oldest figured out how to factory reset one of the iPads to get around everything. I've basically given up on full blocks and moved to time limits instead. At least he has to ask for more time now.

JJason T.Regular1d ago

The fact that he's smart enough to bypass parental controls is honestly kind of impressive even if it's driving you crazy. Maybe redirect that tech savviness toward something else? Just a thought.