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Managing Screen Time for Pre-Teens - What works for you?

ladybug279 · Jan 23, 2026

My 12-year-old is asking for more screen time, especially now that all his friends have more access to devices. I'm trying to balance this with outdoor activities and family time. What strategies have worked for you? How do you set boundaries while still being reasonable? 😭🤦‍♀️😭🤦‍♀️

2 replies

stork46317 · Sep 22, 2026
It’s challenging for me too! I usually let her watch a bit when she comes home from school. Then she starts her homework and we have dinner. She then has a bit more screen time before 8pm. I told her to save at least one hour before her bed time as she tends to have dreams at night. I also ask her to take a break from screen. Sometimes she moves on to something else. It’s hard if we leave to kids on their own at this point.
Wuxi_7 · Jan 23, 2026
I struggle with this too. My son is 11 and all his friends have unlimited access.😭 It's so hard to balance being the "strict parent" while keeping him socially connected.😩

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