Tyra Banks introduces rules of conduct for her son to combat gaming addiction

Guest Contribution – The famous supermodel Tyra Banks has unexpectedly decided to apply a rather unusual method to combat her son’s fascination with video games. How do modern digital entertainments affect children, and can a family contract really help parents cope with gaming addiction in the family? This question worries more and more adults in a world where technology is becoming part of daily life.

Tyra Banks and parental challenges

Tyra Banks’ name has long been associated with success in the modeling business and television. She became famous as the host and creator of the reality show “America’s Next Top Model” and a two-time Daytime Emmy winner for her own talk show. Now Banks combines new projects with raising her nine-year-old son York and her personal life: together with her partner, they are building a family and sharing parental responsibilities. In recent weeks, Banks has been hosting the popular morning show “Today With Jenna & Friends,” where she openly talks about the challenges of motherhood.

Video games in the Banks family

The story with video games did not begin at Tyra’s initiative, but thanks to her partner, who introduced York to the popular platforms Roblox and Minecraft. These games are recognized as some of the most in-demand among children worldwide due to their open worlds, the ability to build their own projects, and play with friends online.

At first, Banks, according to her, adhered to a strict rule: no video games at home. To set an example, she herself did not play at home in front of the children. After all, various video games nowadays attract not only children but also adults. The abundance of genres has an effect—ranging from complex simulators to simple arcade games for mobile devices. The popularity of Plinko apps and other similar games among the adult audience hints at this. Many people think that this way they relax after work, but do not realize that children take their example and play even more.

However, the novelty and excitement of virtual worlds turned out to be stronger than prohibitions. “Now my son is literally obsessed!” Banks admitted on air, not hiding her anxiety about her child’s fascination and her own sense of loss of control.

Parental contract: an attempt at control

Facing difficulties, Tyra decided to turn to artificial intelligence for help. She shared that she used ChatGPT (she likes to call the program “Gwyneth” after actress Gwyneth Paltrow) to find a solution to the problem. The answer turned out to be simple and unexpected—a family contract. Banks drew up a written agreement with her son: playing is allowed only on certain days and hours, and access to games is permitted after completing homework and other responsibilities.

This document also required York’s signature to involve him in the process and demonstrate mutual responsibility. “He signed the contract. And as if it never existed at all,” Banks said ironically on air, hinting that in practice, keeping the boundaries turned out to be harder than it seemed on paper.

In the studio, family education expert Dr. Aliza Pressman noted the importance of consistency: “If you make a contract, make sure you yourself are able to follow it.” The expert emphasized that even if children break the rules, it is important for parents to maintain boundaries and control compliance with the conditions.

Real difficulties of implementation

Life shows that it is not easy to comply with such agreements. Tyra admitted that a busy schedule, work, and travel often prevent her from tracking how much time her son spends playing games. Many parents face similar problems—modern families are often forced to balance between work and parenting, which complicates control over children’s digital habits.

Experts advise adhering to the following principles:

• Clearly articulate the consequences of breaking the rules
• Do not be afraid to limit the amount of time spent playing games
• Set clear boundaries and monitor their observance, regardless of how busy the adults are

Such simple recommendations help many families, but require time, patience, and consistency. As educators claim, it is consistency that forms in the child a sense of responsibility and understanding of structure.

Personal and professional: Banks’ new projects

Family topics for Tyra closely resonate with her professional endeavors. In May 2024, she opened her first SMiZE & DREAM ice cream shop in Australia, dedicated to her mother—Carolyn London. At the opening, her mother could not hold back tears, recalling how they dreamed about her daughter’s future together over a cup of ice cream in Los Angeles.

This story illustrates how Banks transfers the values of care and support from family to business. For her, developing entrepreneurship is not only about profit, but also an opportunity to support children’s dreams, as her mother once did.

Tyra’s media activity

Tyra Banks actively shares personal stories not only on air but also in other media projects. It recently became known that she gave an interview for an upcoming Netflix documentary dedicated to the behind-the-scenes of “America’s Next Top Model.” Such a public exchange of experience, according to communication specialists, helps society discuss complex parenting topics more openly, without being embarrassed to talk about failures and the search for solutions.

Tyra’s many years of experience as a host, entrepreneur, and public figure confirm her ability to inspire trust and empathy in viewers. This is what makes her advice and reflections especially valuable for a wide audience of parents.

Analysis and argumentation

Parental contracts are just one way to limit a child’s screen time. Some families use special timers that block devices after a certain time. Others prefer conversations and encouraging self-control. Child psychologists believe that there is no universal approach: everything depends on the age, character of the child, and family traditions.

According to a number of specialists, formal agreements work only in combination with personal example and understanding why the limitation is important. At the same time, modern children quickly adapt to new conditions, and parents have to be flexible and inventive. In theory, a contract provides structure, but is devoid of practical effect without the constant involvement of adults.

Contextualization and explanations

Why are games like Minecraft and Roblox so captivating for children? They give a sense of freedom, creativity, and allow playing together with friends online, which becomes an important part of schoolchildren’s social life. According to research by Newzoo, by 2024, gaming platforms have united more than 300 million users worldwide, confirming their enormous popularity.

With the development of technology, parental rules inevitably change. If earlier the restrictions were simple—turn off the TV, today parents have to master digital tools, apps, and platforms to control time. Even artificial intelligence, as in Tyra’s case, becomes a helper for parents in the search for a balance between trust and control.

Examples, analogies, rhetorical devices

Reflecting on parental strategies, you involuntarily ask yourself: can a contract really change a child’s habits? Families around the world try different methods—from strict restrictions to building trust. Sometimes it resembles a fragile dance on thin ice, where it is important not to overdo control and not to lose contact with the child.

The stories of other parents show: a successful solution often consists of small victories, clear dialogue, and flexible rules that are formed along with the child’s growing up. The modern family is like a team, where digital hobbies can become a reason for mutual growth and discussion if everyone is involved and ready to change together.

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