We keep all devices in “public” areas, like the family room, which makes enforcing limits so much easier.

I wouldn’t let them use the internet when I or another responsible adult is not home. Therefore I would set a Password for all Internet which only the adults have & change it OFTEN. I promise it really wont kill them. They can spend the time doing chores or homework or reading a book & then they will be ready to hit the Internet when someone is at home to monitor it. Sorry there is no easy answer but frankly internet gaming could be the least of your worries the internet can be both a fantastic and a dangerous tool. Your children will hate you for a while but my teens always went through times when on or (lord help me) all of them did and we all survived. Have fun. Michelle

I’m wondering if there may be some kind of timer you could set up that turns the Internet off at a certain time? Would get great if there was such a thing

Change the WiFi password daily and they only get it if they have done their homework, chores etc.

Offer them something in return, some more time, an allowance or consequences
No internet for a week. Etc,

You are in control of internet usage in your home. Tell them that. Make them earn their device and minutes on the device. Be strong and stick to your plan. Good luck.

When our daughter was younger I used to have one of those nanny net type programs – I can’t think of the name now but it did allow me to set a time limit, sorry I’m not more helpful.

If they are using wi fi, change the password pnce you think they have had enough

New password on the WiFi when you are not home (you can always change it back when you are home) or they have to earn the PRIVILAGE to game on the Internet, it is not a right.
I have not bought anything that my kids can game on except my iPad, so I don’t have this problem with my teenagers. Good luck

You are the adult, enforce the rules easy, well not easy, you say its hard becasue other family members are using the internet, well take their devices away from them then

set a limit and stand your ground

im having the same problem here so i got them into more after school sports busier for me but healthier for them

There are programmes you can get to help the limit u want. Thank goodness I’m not at this stage yet lol

You could go through the trouble of capping their daily/weekly usage, but it is a bit fiddly to do.

You just need to be harder or them. I had the same problem and decided 3 days a week were no electronics days, we go running or play games instead. I actually take their things away and hide them otherwise they will just keep playing. They were not happy at first, but now used to it!

Maybe make them pay for usage.. Ie to use the internet you need to do jobs around the house or homework for each activity you earn point/money, a certain amount of internet hours is worth point/money ie putting out the bin is worth $1 dollar 1hour of internet use is $10

Turn off the Internet…Not always easy as it affects everyone but they do need to learn to do what’s right. Your 17 year old will get angry, but will get over it when he realises you are serious. Unfortunately this means maybe turning the Internet off whenever you are not going to be home….I have taken game cables and leads out with me to stop my teens from playing games when I’ve been out. You need to show them you mean what you say.

If they aren’t sticking to the limits and guidelines you have in place I’d be changing the wifi password daily and only give them the new one once they’ve completed all their other tasks. While it doesn’t work for everyone, (and not speaking from experience as I don’t have teens as yet) but I know of people who have their preteens and teenagers sign agreements in relation to the expectations of them in general, which could include internet usage, chores etc and if they break any part of their agreement there are consequences which are also clearly set out in the agreement. It also gives them a taste of the world in the workforce.

i would take away their priviledge of using the internet,only allow them on when they decide to obey the rules.if they have their own computer remove it from them,if not change the password and only type it in for those who are allowed to use it.

You can always change the Wi-Fi password daily and have them ‘earn’ the use of the internet. If you think they’ve had enough for the day and they refuse to get off themselves then change the password!