Grounding teenagers can stop behaviour in the moment.
But research shows it rarely teaches teens how to make better choices long-term. Between 13 and 17, the teenage brain is wired for emotion, peer connection, and independence. When consequences feel disconnected or endless, the lesson often isn’t responsibility. It’s “don’t get caught.” This article explores when grounding works, when it backfires, and what actually helps teenagers learn accountability without damaging trust.

New school terms are often framed as fresh starts.

New uniforms. New stationery. New routines. A chance to reset.

But for many teens and tweens, the start of a new term doesn’t feel energising or motivating. It feels heavy. Unsettling. Quietly overwhelming.

Ever noticed how we micromanage every crumb our kids eat… but have no idea that they’re watching on TikTok at midnight?

I wrote this light-hearted (but very real) blog post for Unplugged Tribe about how we often overparent in the real world and underparent in the online one — not because we’re lazy or careless, but because no one taught us how to do this digital parenting thing.

We're all winging it. And we're not alone.