I have literally zero dependency on the Internet. Everything I value (family and event photos, music, books (hard copies), school report cards, ID cards, etc.) is already with me in hard copies or hard drive. If Internet were to go down, I believe, I will breathe happily!!
If those notes are really worthy and meaningful to you, then hire someone to type them out for you. If there is something that money can buy, then save your time!
I have 12 YO. I have given him both laptop and phone with restrictions.
YouTube = 30 min a day
Roblox = 30 min on weekends
General browsing = Enforced by Kaspersky Safe Kids with all adult content blocked
Total device time = 1.5 hour per day
Anything that takes more time, like scratch programming, school projects, research on topics, etc. is done on my laptop under my casual supervision (I reading a book and he using my laptop and filling his word doc with what he wants to write or doing Scratch programming for example).
Family link for Android works great.
Kaspersky Safe Kids works great for Windows Laptop.
I can enforce device use time, content, app time limits, etc. Has been working like a charm since Covid days.
One thing that works for me is to have a consistent early to bed, early to rise routine 365 days irrespective of what the day looks like. It gives me ample of time to carry out chores, teach my kids, spend productive time at office, and also do personal growth activities such as reading books, walk, gardening, entertainment, etc.
I learned about this in the negotiation course [0] by Prof. George Siedel.
It is also called as BATNA - Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA). This is evaluating what is your best alternative if the deal does not get through. In a negotiation, you would want to strengthen your BATNA and weaken other's BATNA. The course was amazing.
Define a purpose for yourself and then work towards it. You will feel a lot accomplished as well as fulfilled in life.
Also,
Do you talk to your parents often? If not, then do. Listening to their voice has a soothing effect on one's soul.
I would also suggest that look for alternate dormant company such as books, meditation, healing speeches, motivation talks, etc. That way, you get a daily dose of something to think about and look forward to.
If you like pets, try getting one. That way, you have someone to look after and would also get a sense of responsibility.
>If they can keep up good grades and goof off in class watching minecraft videos, then so be it.
There is one thing probably that you are missing that the kids at this age should learn to respect and honour boundaries. They should known what is acceptable -vs- not. Just because you are in digital screen, does not mean you can do whatever. How would have teacher taken it if the kids watch a video during a live lecture.
Sometimes, talking with kids is one thing and having them to behave correctly is different. There are also cultural issues in place :-)
Yes, that is pathetic. Kaspersky allows whitelisting specific URLs. So, entire YouTube can remain blocked but specific URLs can still work. I would download YouTube video and then have my kid watch them if it is course related.