28/04/2026
When teens disappear into games, YouTube, TikTok, or Discord… it’s not just about “screen time.”
Behind the screen, they may be:
• Regulating stress
• Escaping pressure
• Seeking connection, control, or a sense of achievement
• Looking for predictability in a world that feels overwhelming
Screens aren’t just distractions — they’re meeting real developmental needs like belonging, autonomy, and purpose.
And for parents, it can feel painful:
“They’re addicted.”
“They don’t talk to me anymore.”
“They care more about their game than us.”
Those feelings of grief, fear, and confusion are real.
But the path forward isn’t just unplugging — it’s reconnecting.
Here’s where to start:
✨ Be curious, not critical
✨ Join them, don’t judge
✨ Set boundaries together
✨ Support what’s underneath the behaviour
Connection builds trust. Trust opens doors.
