Most families do not have a technology problem. They have an expectations problem. Devices are often handed over before the rules are discussed, which makes every boundary feel like a new fight.
Start before activation. Use a short family conversation to define where devices can be used, when they are put away, and what happens if those rules are ignored. Keep the language specific so your child can clearly repeat it back to you.
Focus on behavior, not punishment. If the rule is no devices in bedrooms after 9 p.m., the consequence should be directly connected to bedtime access. Consistency matters more than severity.
Make privacy and safety part of the agreement from day one. Your child should know why accounts need strong passwords, why location sharing is limited, and why they should tell you if someone online makes them uncomfortable.
If you need a starting template, use our Device Contract as the first draft. Personalize it together, sign it, and keep it visible. This turns the conversation into a shared plan instead of a one-time lecture.