A calmer approach than “put it down” — and it actually sticks.
The screen-time battle is exhausting because it’s framed as good-vs-bad. A more useful frame: consuming vs creating. Same device, completely different outcome.
An hour scrolling videos and an hour building a game are both “screen time,” but one drains and one builds. When you sort by consuming vs creating instead of on vs off, the fights get smaller and the choices get better.
Banning rarely holds. Swapping does. “You can have screen time — let’s make some of it the kind where you build something.” Then make the creating option easy and nearby: a coding app bookmarked, a drawing tool open, a simple project half-started.
Build a game instead of playing one (Scratch / Experience CS, free). Make a video instead of watching one. Design instead of browse (a comic, a card, a little app).
Creating gives the same dopamine hit as consuming, plus something to be proud of — so kids come back to it on their own. You’re not fighting the screen; you’re aiming it.