Under Five
The simplest stage: the adult holds the device, controls do most of the work, and almost nothing needs explaining to the child.
Procedure
By age
The same tool at the wrong age does not reduce risk. It teaches circumvention and concealment.
6 notes
Five to Eight
The child starts using devices with intent, meets other children online, and begins to need the reason rather than only the rule.
Procedure
Nine to Twelve
The stage where controls start being noticed, tested and discussed, and where the balance shifts from setting things to explaining them.
Procedure
Thirteen to Fifteen
The age where technical control stops being the main instrument, and where insisting on it does measurable damage.
Analysis
Sixteen and Over
Technical control is essentially finished. What remains is the relationship, the money, and preparing for a household where none of this applies.
Analysis
The Handover
Controls are supposed to end. Doing that deliberately, on a schedule, works better than doing it by attrition or by argument.
Procedure