What this does
This post helps you create realistic, enforceable screen time and social media boundaries for teens and tweens—without constant battles, spying, or guilt. The AI prompt turns vague rules like “less phone time” into a clear family plan based on age, maturity, and real-world behavior.
Why it's useful
Most parents feel stuck between two bad options: total restriction (which backfires) or total freedom (which creates anxiety, sleep issues, and conflict). This framework helps you move out of reaction mode and into intentional parenting—setting limits that protect mental health while still respecting growing independence.
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Prompt
I want help creating a healthy, age-appropriate screen time and social media plan for my child that reduces conflict and supports mental health, sleep, and responsibility.
Here is some context about my child:
Age: [age]
Grade level: [upper elementary / middle school / high school]
Devices used regularly: [phone, tablet, laptop, gaming console]
Social media platforms (if any): [none / TikTok / Instagram / Snapchat / YouTube / Discord / other]
Current challenges: [too much screen time, sleep issues, mood changes, secrecy, arguments, school impact]
First, help me assess whether my child’s current screen and social media use is developmentally appropriate for their age and maturity level. Explain what matters more than total hours (timing, content, behavior changes).
Next, help me define clear boundaries in three areas:
Daily screen time expectations
Social media access and rules
Device-free times or zones (bedrooms, meals, school nights)
For each boundary, suggest language I can use that sounds calm and confident—not threatening or negotiable.
Then, help me design a simple consequences plan that focuses on predictability instead of punishment. Include how to reset after mistakes without escalating conflict.
After that, help me write a short family agreement or checklist my child can understand that explains the “why” behind the rules and what earns more freedom over time.
End by listing warning signs that screen or social media use may be negatively affecting mental health—and what steps to take if those signs appear.
How this helps you
This replaces daily arguments with structure and consistency. You’ll feel more confident setting limits, your child will know what to expect, and screen time becomes a managed part of life—not the constant source of stress in your household.
