I think the internet is a great resource and a huge distraction. You can start looking for some "very specific thing" and 2 hours later you can't remember why y

I think the internet is a great resource and a huge distraction. You can start looking for some "very specific thing" and 2 hours later you can't remember why you opened the browser. The raspberry pi is a great suggestion, but I'd mix your suggestion with another on here: dump the kid at their grandparents house with a 286 and a BASIC book, and take their phone away.