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For Parents2023.12.207 min read

Children and Smartphones: The Right Distance for Supervision Without Fighting

Instead of saying "Study!" - things you can do instead. Tips for supporting your child's autonomy using the Parent Link feature.

The Fight That Never Ends

"Put down your phone and study!"

"I was just about to!"

"You always say that!"

Sound familiar? If you're a parent of a teenager preparing for exams, you've probably had this conversation hundreds of times. And you've probably noticed: it never works.

Why Nagging Doesn't Work

When we constantly remind our children to study, we're actually doing the opposite of what we intend:

  • We're taking ownership of their responsibility
  • We're creating resistance and resentment
  • We're damaging our relationship
  • We're NOT improving their study habits

A Different Approach: Supervision Without Suffocation

The key is to find the right balance between monitoring and autonomy. Here's how:

1. Set Clear Expectations Together

Instead of imposing rules, have a conversation:

  • "How many hours do you think you should study each day?"
  • "What time works best for you to focus?"
  • "What support do you need from me?"

2. Use Technology as a Neutral Third Party

This is where Ace Lock shines. When the app blocks the phone, it's not YOU being the "bad guy" - it's the system they agreed to.

3. Focus on Recognition, Not Criticism

Instead of pointing out when they're not studying, notice when they are:

  • "I saw you studied for 3 hours today. That's impressive!"
  • "Your weekly study time has increased. Keep it up!"

4. Trust the Process

Once study sessions are scheduled and locked, step back. Don't hover. Your child needs to feel ownership over their work.

The Parent Link Feature

Ace Lock's Parent Link gives you visibility without being intrusive:

  • See when study sessions start and end
  • View total study time
  • Receive notifications for unlock requests
  • Check weekly reports

This removes the need to constantly ask "Are you studying?" - the data shows you.

Handling Unlock Requests

When your child requests an unlock, you'll see:

  • The reason they selected
  • How long they've been studying
  • Their session history

This gives you context to make informed decisions. Sometimes, a 5-minute break for a family call is reasonable. Other times, you might encourage them to wait.

Building Trust Over Time

As your child consistently completes their study sessions, trust naturally builds. You can:

  • Gradually extend their autonomy
  • Reduce your monitoring frequency
  • Celebrate their developing self-discipline

The Goal: Self-Regulation

Remember, the ultimate goal isn't to control your child's phone usage forever. It's to help them develop the self-regulation skills they'll need in college and beyond.

Ace Lock is a training wheel. Eventually, your child will learn to manage their focus without external enforcement.

A Message to Parents

We know how stressful the exam period can be - not just for students, but for the whole family. By using tools like Ace Lock, you can:

  • Reduce daily conflicts
  • Support without suffocating
  • Focus on encouragement rather than enforcement
  • Enjoy a more peaceful home environment

Your child will thank you someday. Until then, hang in there!

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