Parenting Teens in the Phone Age

Find a healthier balance with phones—and stay close as your teen grows

Smartphones are part of teen life: they help young people connect, learn, create, and grow more independent. They can also compete with sleep, attention, schoolwork, and family time. Parenting Teens in the Phone Age helps you respond to both sides without turning every screen-time disagreement into a battle.

Fiona M. Caldwell offers practical, evidence-informed guidance for understanding what your teen’s phone use is doing in their daily life—not just counting minutes. Learn how to set realistic, age-appropriate boundaries around bedtime, notifications, homework, gaming, social media, and family time. Get conversation starters and strategies for navigating group chats, online conflict, privacy, and the pressure to always be available, while respecting your teen’s growing independence.

Rather than relying on fear, constant monitoring, or extreme restrictions, Caldwell shows you how to combine clear expectations with calm communication and reasonable privacy. You’ll learn how to respond when rules are broken, recognize when a digital habit may need closer attention, and adjust agreements as your teen demonstrates responsibility.

Build healthier digital habits while keeping trust and connection at the center. With practical examples for common points of conflict, this empathetic guide helps families protect sleep and well-being and reduce phone-related arguments.