Is it weird that my bf gave his four year old a phone?
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No reason for a kid that age to have a phone unless it’s for safety reasons when they aren’t with you and even then they should be with an adult at all times so no… in my opinion
Not weird but not an intelligent decision at all. A child doesn’t need a phone until they are going to not be with you or another responsible adult. I would take it away and deal with the fall out.
Did he watch YouTube and stuff before he got the phone? My nieces weren't allowed screen time for the longest time and now when a TV is on or they are on their tablets they are LOCKED in. My son has had a tablet since he was 3. At first I only limited what he would watch (educational videos) and then I let him watch more fun videos later on at an older age. I've never restricted his time I just simply ask him if he'd be interested in doing something else for a little while and that usually does the trick. Especially if that something else is with me. Now he knows how to limit his time himself and find other things that challenge his brain and are a lot more fun than the tablet. He's also extremely smart! My only advice is to encourage him to play with you or do a fun project or go outside throughout the day if you let him keep the phone. Or, as others said, take it away if you choose.
We did the same with our bonus son who is around the same age. We limit screen time, have the restrictive parenting settings, and revoke it for punishment. If it’s making his behavior worse, I’d say remove it and re-introduce it as a reward. Don’t use it as a crutch to keep him quiet, but use it as a way to reward good behavior with 15-20 minutes of screen time.