This conversation is exactly what happens when teens watch adults handle family toxicity. Here’s what you’re missing: kids see through digital boundaries immediately - they know when you’re avoiding someone using apps. Most teens already use “gray rock” method (being boring until toxic people move on) way better than adults. Your child is learning your boundary patterns right now, so make them count.
The guilt-tripping family member? They’ll escalate when you use tech barriers, so prepare for that storm - but teens know the drill: block, unblock strategically, and never explain your digital choices to manipulators.