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AIBU?

To just not know how much time online is ok for a 12 year old?

3 replies

user1477282676 · 08/11/2016 11:29

DD loves going online in the afternoon after school. She would do it for hours if allowed.

She watches Youtube vids mainly or Netflix. Not bothered about social media at the moment as none of her mates are.

Basically DH says she needs to be on it less...like an hour after school and then more on weekends.

Trouble is she gets moany and bored if not allowed on...at 12 I can't really engage her in crafts or anything...she will read if pushed but it's so hard having her complaining so much!

How much time is reasonable?

OP posts:
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Somerville · 08/11/2016 11:35

Reasonable is, to my mind, as much of their free time that they want to spend in front of a screen after they've done everything else they need to do. And finishing at least an hour before they go to bed (so it doesn't affect sleep patterns).
In my house that means once they're back from school and clubs, have done their homework and music practise, have had some fresh air/excercise if they didn't do a sports club that day and eaten a meal.

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hmcAsWas · 08/11/2016 11:42

I don't think we need to be over controlling? I would prefer my 12 year old ds to spend less time on his playstation, but I suck it up because he plays for two football teams (training every Wednesday and Thursday evening and matches on Saturday am and Sunday pm), and is conscientious with his school work. If he chooses to spend the rest of his time on playstation then I will (grudgingly) accept this. Doesn't stop me wishing he was mixing it up a little.....

Its a bit different during school holidays - he would spend the whole time on playstation if permitted so I do arrange activities etc to try and achieve better balance. I do worry about it OP, but then I rationalise - they have to have some element of choice and self determination as long as its not harming them?

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BabyJakeHatersClub · 08/11/2016 12:50

Around an hour a day (Mon-Thurs) after other things like homework, activities or chores. That excludes needing time online for homework.

I think that a bigger concern is keeping a gap of a few hours between screen time and bed time. It has a real impact on sleep patterns. Lots of supporting research and I've noticed a big difference now I have 2 hours with no 'tech' before bed. I do use a Kindle as it seems a little different.

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