«What, us too? But ... work is calling!»

How do we as a family manage to consciously refrain from using our mobile phones at certain times? I come across this question very often when talking to parents. Before giving up, it's helpful to think about what you want to achieve by taking this step in the first place. Do you want to get children and especially teenagers to stare less at their beloved smartphones? Or should family life benefit because they can discuss things more often or do things together?

No more constant pressure

In my opinion, the goal of disciplining pubescent children with mobile phone deprivation is completely the wrong approach. This experiment will only bring about lasting and healthy change if the parents also join in - and do so one hundred per cent.

Unfortunately, by the time this consequence dawns on parents or guardians, their enthusiasm for mobile phone-free time is often over. «What, us too? But ... work!» is the immediate response. But yes: parents are part of the family, why should only the children be affected by such a plan? Added to this: If you want to maintain your credibility, you simply have to bite the bullet - not least because the second bite is probably tastier.

My personal experience shows that children and young people enjoy the experience of consciously doing without their mobile phones at certain times in the first few days and weeks. Not least because teenagers are no longer under constant pressure to be online.

It is often amazing for young people to have such a positive experience. If parents support the feeling of a shared «adventure», the effect is amplified. In other words: You do something together - play, discuss, cook, do handicrafts. Here too, the children are part of the decision-making process.

The path to habit

However, mobile phone-free time only becomes truly sustainable when it becomes a matter of course. When the novelty and excitement wears off, habit creeps in: It goes without saying that all mobile phones are not at the table during dinner. At bedtime, flight mode is switched on. Or perhaps there are fixed days that are spent completely without mobile phones . All of this ensures a healthy, relaxed and conscious use of the still beloved and important device.