Cracking down on cellphone use

Dear Annie: My husband and I have two teenagers. We’ve noticed them becoming increasingly more addicted to their phones. We’ve set all types of guard rails around screen time, acceptable apps and taking their phones into their bedrooms. Lately, they’ve been exploiting every opportunity to abuse the rules.

My husband and I have tried to crack down, but we’re just not able to constantly be alert— Confused About Cellphones

Dear Cellphones:

You and your husband should begin by staying firm on your rules for cellphone use. Also, there should be no cellphones in their bedrooms, particularly at night, or at the dining table. In fact, phones should be silenced or turned off during meals. Put parental controls and locks on apps when possible, and maintain the right to conduct random searches of their call log, email and apps. Have your children sign a contract that enforces escalating punishment, such as a 24-hour period without their phone for the first infraction, 48 hours for the second, etc.

Let them know that you are going to give them independence to use their phones but hold them accountable to using them in a mature and thoughtful way. Have a conversation about cyberbullying, phone etiquette and the dangers of posting or sending messages without understanding long-term implications. Encourage your children to communicate openly with you about any issues they may have or anything that is making them uncomfortable.