265. Why Taking the Phone Away Doesn’t Fix It

265. Why Taking the Phone Away Doesn’t Fix It

May 26, 2026 · 14 min · Episode 265

About this episode

In this episode, Tess Connolly discusses why simply taking away a teen's phone may not resolve screen time issues and offers strategies for healthier phone habits.

Does your teen seem unable to put the phone down, even when they know they should? In this episode, Tess Connolly, LCSW, explains why phone limits matter, but why limits alone are often not enough to change the pattern. If you have tried taking the phone away and still end up in the same screen time battle, this episode will help you understand what may be happening underneath. You’ll learn how to look at what your teen is getting from the phone — connection, escape, entertainment, relief, or a sense of control — and how to pair limits with structure, replacement habits, and connection. Grab Tess’s Tech Reset Agreement or book a Parent Reset Strategy Session if your family needs help building healthier phone habits. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why taking the phone away does not always solve the problem What your teen may be getting from their phone How to set limits without shame Why replacement habits matter How to help your teen decompress without endless scrolling One simple reset to try this week ⭐Got screen time problems at home? Get the Tech Reset Agreement here 👉 Download the Tech Reset Agreement ⭐️Join the Family and get your weekly Mindful Kids and Family Journal…

More episodes of Single Parenting Reset Show: For Solo Parents of Tweens and Teens — Manage Behavior Problems, Reduce Screen Time & Improve Communication

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Single Parenting Reset Show: For Solo Parents of Tweens and Teens — Manage Behavior Problems, Reduce Screen Time & Improve Communication podcast page.