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| Parents, Here’s How to Effectively Limit Your Teen’s Phone Use Without the Drama!. |
Jakarta – Many parents worry about their high school teens spending too much time staring at their phones. But did you know that strict bans often don’t work? Clinical psychologist and Universitas Indonesia graduate, Kasandra Putranto, shares practical tips for parents to set phone boundaries with teens in a way that’s effective—and stress-free.
According to Kasandra, the key isn’t emotional restrictions or punishment. Instead, parents should focus on function-based and time-based limits. With this approach, teens feel trusted while still being guided.
“Parents can agree on rules based on phone functions. For example, phones can be used for schoolwork or social communication, but only during certain hours,” Kasandra told ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday.
In addition, parents can set time-based rules, such as no phone use during mealtime, study time, or before bed.
“This approach is proven to be more effective than strict bans because teens feel trusted while still being guided,” she added.
Kasandra also recommends that parents and teens create a clear agreement on screen time limits, such as a maximum of 2–3 hours of digital entertainment per day. Transparency is key; parents need to explain the reasons behind the rules, not just say “because I said so.” For example, if study time is set, parents should follow it too, as teens quickly notice inconsistencies.
Even though high school teens are becoming more independent, phone boundaries are still necessary. Kasandra explains that at this age, the teen brain—especially the prefrontal cortex, which controls self-regulation and decision-making—is still developing until the early 20s. This makes them more prone to distraction and digital overuse.
“Limits don’t mean total bans. They provide a framework that helps teens practice self-control. Parents act as guides, not strict supervisors,” Kasandra said.
With this strategy, teens can enjoy their phones for useful purposes, while parents maintain guidance without constant conflict. Instead of outright bans, parents should discuss and agree on clear rules. The result? Teens learn self-regulation, and family harmony stays intact.