In the middle of the pandemic, I got myself banned from Facebook and Instagram.

Yes, you read that correctly. Someone reported the NLP4Kids account as being run by someone under the age of 13 (I do look young for my age! 😉) and overnight, I lost access to everything – my business pages, my advertising controls, even the ability to post content.

At the time, it was a disaster. But with hindsight, it was one of the most important lessons I could have learned – not just for me, but for how we help our children navigate the hypnotic pull of social media.

When Social Media Becomes an Unseen Addiction

Initially, I fought tooth and nail to get my accounts back. I spent weeks chasing invisible Facebook staff (their customer service is famously horrendous even in normal times, let alone during a pandemic). Meanwhile, I noticed something troubling happening.

Every time I picked up my phone, my thumb instinctively hovered over the Facebook app, even though I knew I was banned. It wasn’t about checking if I could log in. It was pure, mindless habit. The muscle memory of opening that app had embedded itself deep into my brain. 📱

In the early days, the sense of loss and disappointment was real. I missed the connection, the distraction, the hit of dopamine. But as the weeks rolled on, something miraculous happened – the spell was broken. When I finally regained access, I didn’t even care anymore. Facebook became a tool for business, nothing more.

🌟 “Breaking free from the spell of social media doesn’t happen through willpower alone – it happens through a massive, unavoidable interruption.” 🌟

Why Your Child Needs a Disruption – Not a Lecture

If you’re noticing that your child is glued to their screen, waiting for likes, comments or DMs, you’re not imagining it – social media platforms are designed to keep them there. Their brains are being trained to seek validation, to crave updates and to feel anxious when disconnected.

And here’s the painful truth: talking about it won’t be enough. You need a significant disruption to their routine.

Start by modelling the behaviour you want to see. Set strict personal rules – no scrolling during family time, using the phone only for specific tasks, switching it off after work hours. 📵 Children notice hypocrisy a mile away, so if you want them to cut down their screen time, you’ll need to lead the way.

Provide real-world experiences that feel richer and more fulfilling than the digital ones. Plan adventures, even simple ones like nature walks, scavenger hunts or gardening projects. 🌱 These don’t have to cost money – the point is to reconnect with the physical world.

“We cannot expect children to voluntarily leave behind a dopamine-driven fantasy world unless we offer them something better in real life.”

How This Links to Building Emotional Strength – And a Life Beyond Screens

At NLP4Kids, our mission is to help children become resilient, self-aware and strong. That’s why our coaching franchise isn’t just about delivering sessions – it’s about being a role model. Our coaching franchise practitioners understand that mental health isn’t something you fix in an appointment – it’s something you nurture every day.

The same philosophy applies here. Helping children disconnect from social media is part of their emotional growth. Yes, there will be tears, tantrums and FOMO (fear of missing out). But, just like toilet training, learning to walk, or learning to ride a bike, discomfort is part of development.

The more we resist their complaints and stay committed, the stronger and healthier they will become – both online and offline.

If you’re passionate about helping children thrive in a chaotic digital world, consider joining our coaching franchise. You’ll gain the skills, support and tools to make a lasting difference not just for others, but for yourself too.

Final Thoughts – Teach Them to Reclaim Their Time

Freedom from social media addiction isn’t just possible – it’s a gift you can give your child that will change their life forever.

Show them there is a better way to live, and they will eventually choose it for themselves.

by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai)

Becoming a Licensee