Teenagers and gadgets

[cluedo3]

So sick of them glued to thm all sat and sun... how do ye manage them?? Eg we are all going to watch the Rugby later but I know they will be on tablets again...i just think one cant enjoy one thing fully while half watching it ?

[hijk]

I don't have a problem with mine playing on the Ipad while watching tv ( double or triple screening) - that is just a way of relaxing.

I don't like it when the gadgets get in the way of a family day out, or meal time conversation.

We have a daytime embargo now, they only come out after hw is complete at in the evenings, and we ban them from days out and meal times.

[ssd]

its the only way one gets any peace in this house, when they are all glued to something

[fredfredgeorgejnr]

Why do you judge how other people can enjoy something, I can't imagine how anyone can enjoy the cinema at all, it's utterly boring with nothing to do but watch a film. But I'm sure they can, lots of people do, so I'm also pretty sure people can enjoy rugby at the same time as using a tablet, indeed they may well enjoy it more.

[CrohnicallyInflexible]

I'm watching a film while mumsnetting. Everyone else is glued to the TV so it means I can get on with MN without feeling anti social!

[Davsmum]

Can't you make reasonable rules around the use of gadgets? There are times that it is not acceptable to be glued to a tablet. Meal times, family social occasions,..or events. Of course teenagers will whinge and moan but they have to learn to respect those times and respect other people.
They also have to learn they can't just do what they want all the time.

[ragged]

When I was a kid I always had my nose in a book & my parents thought that was highly irritating & almost aggressively antisocial. I can't see the difference.

[hijk]

I don't think there is much of a difference.

[Davsmum]

Depends what type of book or what stuff is being viewed on the tablet. Both are anti social if you are in company where you should be interacting.

[cluedo3]

Hikk, sounds like a good idea, what do u do sat n sun?

[Andrewofgg]

We have friends who are almost self-righteous in insisting that gadgets are not brought to the meal-table - but have the TV on. The position here when DS was a child - before gadgets - was no television on in the room where we were eating.

[cricketballs]

Andrew - how is that self-righteous? The TV is background noise, gadgets at the table is rude!

[Andrewofgg]

cricketballs Both are killers of conversation - that is why it is self-righteous.

If the parents can't give up the goggle-box why should the DCs gibe up their chosen entertainment?

[ragged]

I'm thinking how rude was it... when my parents dragged me to their friends' parties where I didn't know anyone and got angry because I didn't want to socialise but I'd rather draw a picture. Or we had all afternoon with like 30 relatives (under-estimate) at Grandma's & I just wanted a break so went off to read a book.

As for watching TV together as OP describes, my parents read the newspaper with the TV or radio on so they set the Gold Standard for 1970.