Don't "monitor" your teen, "covenant" with him on a digital protocol. The difference is everything.

Before negotiation, negotiate with self: want? accept? refuse?

Your teen's identity forms via experimentation — don't suppress, guide it to be safe.

A document signed by all family members (parents included) about screen use rules.

Set 3 zones and 3 times daily as screen-free for the whole family — simpler than complex hour rules.

When your child watches, sit with him and ask during the show — the screen turns from isolator to connector.

Put your phone in another room during time with your child — bigger impact than restricting his hours.

Ask your child with curiosity about his apps and digital friends — before discovering by surprise.

Instead of "platforms harm you", ask curiously: "what do you enjoy most? what bothers you?"

Disable all red count badges on app icons — they are engineered to trigger OCD reflex.

Define 5 contexts where you'll NEVER use AI. Write them. Stick to them.