Redditors Support Mother for Forcing Her Manipulative Teenage Daughter to Remove DND Mode from Her Phone

The worst parent's nightmare is being unable to reach their child whenever they are worried. Unfortunately, this is a problem that teenagers often fail to recognize as significant, leading them to put their parents in this situation due to their carelessness.

Recently, a mother on Reddit shared her concerns caused by her daughter's reckless behavior. OP's 16-year-old daughter has consistently kept her phone in Do Not Disturb mode.

It wasn't an issue earlier, as she would still answer her parents' calls and texts. However, in the past few weeks, the daughter has stopped responding to any texts or calls, claiming that she is not receiving them.

OP's other children have also tried to contact her, but to no avail. Recently, OP's daughter had to attend an event at school, and OP was supposed to pick her up afterward.

However, her daughter did not respond to any of her calls or texts, which frustrated OP. When the daughter finally got in the car, OP became angry and yelled at her for ignoring their calls and texts.

Then she gave her an ultimatum: either remove the Do Not Disturb mode, or her phone would be taken away for a week. The daughter refused, resulting in a back-and-forth argument before she finally removed the mode in front of her mother and went to her room in tears.

OP thinks she may have been too harsh but was frustrated by her daughter's constant unavailability, especially since she had been allowed to keep her phone in Do Not Disturb mode as long as her family was set up as priority contacts.

OP asks:

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Her daughter always keeps her phone on DND mode:

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It didn't bother them before, but then she stopped answering texts and calls from the entire family.

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The Role of Technology in Family Communication

Technology can significantly impact communication patterns within families, especially among teenagers. Research suggests that excessive use of devices can lead to disconnection and misunderstandings among family members. Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, states, "The more we rely on technology for communication, the less we engage in face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for emotional bonding." For further insights, visit her professional website at helenfisher.com. Additionally, Dr. Lawrence Cohen, a child psychologist, emphasizes that "parents need to be aware of how technology can create barriers to meaningful conversations with their children," reinforcing the importance of direct communication in fostering family relationships. More information can be found at playfulparenting.com.

Even though her mother already told her she's worried when she cannot reach her, she still does it:

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And the last time she did the same thing, her mother snapped:

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OP gave her daughter two choices, but she didn't seem to take them seriously:

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In cases where technology interferes with family communication, it can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. A clinical psychologist notes that these feelings often arise when family members feel they cannot connect with one another on a meaningful level.

Addressing these issues requires open conversations about technology use and its impact on family dynamics.

So they ended up arguing, but her daughter removed the DND function:

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"I think I was too harsh, but I was at my wit's end," explained OP.

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"A teenager has the phone to be contacted."

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Understanding the Psychological Effects of Digital Disconnection

Digital disconnection can evoke feelings of loneliness and anxiety, particularly among adolescents. Research indicates that excessive screen time can heighten feelings of isolation and reduce opportunities for in-person interactions. According to Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist, "In-person communication is essential for emotional well-being, especially for young people who are still developing their social skills." Studies published in the Journal of Adolescent Health suggest that fostering in-person communication can improve emotional well-being and strengthen family bonds.

OP responded:

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Although this may sound controlling, it's for her safety.

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Another Redditor agreed that it's a bit aggressive but also believes it's the right thing to do.

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To promote healthier communication patterns, families should establish rules around technology use that encourage face-to-face interactions. Implementing family tech-free times can provide opportunities for deeper connections and conversations.

Engaging in shared activities without screens can also foster bonding and improve overall family dynamics.

"NTA. As a parent, this is infuriating."

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Another Reddit user also agreed that it's not pleasant at all.

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"Her habits of sneaking out/sneaking around are more concerning."

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"Clearly, she's being sneaky and manipulative."

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Apparently, there are a lot of people who disagree.

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One Redditor pointed out that she has more serious problems with her daughter than she realizes,

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and they explained their point of view.

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OP added some additional information regarding her concern:

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OP also revealed that her daughter lies about where she goes:

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Someone suggested to OP to take her car keys away, but they have already tried that:

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OP said she and her husband would have a serious talk with their daughter:

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OP reached out to the Reddit community regarding taking away her daughter's phone, but it turned out that they have far more issues with her. Either way, her teenage daughter's behavior is not suitable at all.

She must be hiding something. Hopefully, they will manage to get her to talk with them so they can work through her issues together.

Psychological Analysis

This scenario highlights the challenges technology presents in maintaining family communication. It’s essential for families to address these issues openly to foster meaningful connections and emotional support.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Technology's role in family communication underscores the need for balance in our digital and personal interactions. Research indicates that fostering in-person connections can enhance emotional well-being and strengthen family relationships. Ultimately, creating tech-free spaces can promote healthier communication patterns.