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I'm hoping this is a good thing for us since it should give us the ability to tell iOS how to manage screen time better. Our product pushes the idea that screen
by ddtaylor 8y ago
I'm hoping this is a good thing for us since it should give us the ability to tell iOS how to manage screen time better. Our product pushes the idea that screen time management is only half of the equation, since technically you could have already taken the phone or tablet away from a kid, but most parents don't do that because it creates an enormous emotional conflict. It's all about agency.
There is an old child psychology example where a kid asks "Can I have a red popsicle?" and the parent knows there are only blue ones in the fridge. If the parent responds "No, there aren't any red ones left, but you can have one of the blue ones" then you're instantly the villain and you only exist in this world to deny them of their right to popsicles. But if you respond "Yes, you can have a popsicle whatever color is left in the fridge" you're their hero and it's the fault of the fridge for not providing their desired color of popsicle.
Our system gives kids the ability to access more screen time based on them making measurable progress in studying and because of that parents are less villains and our app/system absorbs most of the hate. If a kid says their phone or tablet won't load a page a parent can essentially say "Looks like your phone says you need to do XYZ before you can access more Internet"
Are other HN parents struggling with these issues? If so, do you think setting rigid screen time limits will help?
- Stanleyc23 8y agoI don't have kids, but I'm curious - you're finding that children don't blame the parent for putting the internet-limiting software on their device in the first place?
- jac_no_k 8y agoMe: Parent of a 13 and 9 year old with software screen restrictions in place. My kids clearly know who put the restrictions in place and the reason why. They also know that on request with a reason, I will unlock the restrictions. I find that this gating question sufficient that they police themselves.
- megaman22 8y agoHow long has it taken them to figure out how to get around the restrictions on their own ? I think the only reason I would put blocks in place on my children would be as a testing mechanism.
- jac_no_k 8y agoThey haven't yet unless they've figured out how to scrub logs as well. My strategy with the kids is for them to learn that delaying gratifications can lead to greater rewards. If they ask for the locks to removed for the day, it's usually granted. In any case, I would be happy if they figured out how to bypass. (I see them attempting but so far failing.)