At my place it is a priviledge that is earned and lost. I expect respect from my kids which includes 100% honesty and they know that if the tow the line, do their work and are respectful that I will give them the same in return and that includes access to what now is a normal form of communication for their generation. I let them go for about an hour and call it quits. I've never heard a moan from them yet.
As parents we have a duty to teach, lead and encourage respect, boundaries and priviledges. I can be a Dad as well as a friend and it is working for me. My answer is No, you shouldn't ban them, control them.
I remember when mobiles came out, and come hell or high water, I was never ever getting one. Since then it has become an essential tool in our day to day lives, and I am sure that I have paid for many a Telstra executive's holiday. They call it progress
, unfortunately, but I can't stop it.
Ol' Fuddy Duddy Dutch