Trying to scare children into following rules does not and will not end well.
> I've seen this done, it works.
You think it works because the child has realized that they will need to be better at hiding their actions in the future.
I believe in discipline but smashing a device violently in front of a child is not the way to go about things.
Anyway I tend to agree for the most part anyway. I was just making a guess about your age irl based on what you said. However some other data actually indicates you are likely gen-x.
So instead of trying to cover every possible theoretical danger, setting clear rules and boundaries with your kid sounds like a way more sensible and pragmatic approach.
And nobody said kids should be punished or held fully accountable on their first mistake.