The biggest change for us was making the rules together at a calm time and writing them down where the kids can see them. We picked a simple schedule and tied it to routines so there is no debating, like weeknights only after homework and chores, 45 minutes ending at 7:30, weekends two one hour blocks that end before dinner. I give a 10 minute and a 2 minute warning and ask what a good stopping point is so they can finish a match or get to a save point. A visual timer in the room and their own device alarm helps them feel in control. We treat schoolwork and video calls as separate from entertainment and use a when-then script to avoid bargaining, as in when your reading is done then your timer starts. Tech helps the limits stick, so I set hard stops that match the schedule using the built-in tools.
On iPhone or iPad, open Settings then Screen Time and set App Limits for games and Downtime to the stop time. On Android, use Family Link to set a daily limit and a Bedtime. Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation have family settings to cap play and set curfews. Our router can also pause internet on their profiles which removes the power struggle because the connection simply turns off. We keep devices out of bedrooms and charge in the kitchen so the end of time is a physical handoff, and if someone ignores the timer the next day's time drops by 10 minutes with no debate. The fights did not vanish on day one, but with consistent rules, predictable consequences, and small transition warnings it went from meltdowns to quick grumbles within a week.
