I Pad and Gaming - Mental health

[MarieClaire01]

Hi, is anyone having issues with controlling the use of electronics/gaming with their children? How are you restricting the use/do you have any tips and do you feel that it's affecting your childs mental health? Would love, love to hear from you re any tips and what fall out you are seeing from over use/too much screen time.
thanks :) x

[arbrighton]

Reads like a fishing journo, sorry

[ApplesTheHare]

Haha, abrighton check the username...

[MarieClaire01]

OMG - no wonder parents feel so isolated. I thought this was meant to be a supportive site where people discussed things openly and were kind to each other. I ama single mum and work full time so perhaps my email was a tiny bit buisnessy and rushed but I AM NOT A journo I am a normal parent like you. You guys should be ashamed for rushed conclusions.

[OhWellNeverMindEh]

I don't know but I'll be watching his thread with interest as, unless taking hen out or entertaining them all day long, it's very difficult to avoid it, especially with teens.

[theancientmarinader]

Depends what age. I would prefer them to be on them less, but that is based solely on my outdated generational expectations.
In reality, gaming and social media provide great socializing opportunities, especially for teens. I can hear my son chatting away to his friends and laughing, and enjoying himself, whilst online gaming with four or five others. Sometimes they get together in one house or another, sometimes they link up virtually.
Gaming also provides a valuable tool for distraction for youths or adults who do have issues with their mental health. I know several people who use candy crush type games to stave off looming mental health crises by keeping their minds occupied, and who use their devices for support and distraction when they are unable to leave the house. I also spend a lot of time in the sn community and see kids using their devices for communication and engagement in ways that they are not able to achieve face to face.
I'm not a gamer btw. Have never played any of the games linked to fb, have never played any of the online games. The most I can chalk up is a couple of laps of Mario kart on the wii, before I get bored. I was fairly adamantly anti-gaming until we finally relented and let the stuff into the house. I'm actually now a closet fan, although personally it doesn't interest me at all.

[Ktown]

Being sat on your bottom for long periods will cause physical (and likely mental) problems.
Switch off the router at night and inform them of a time limit in advance.

[Fantasticmissfoxy]

We have fixed times on weekdays (4.30pm - 6.30pm) when they are allowed to use their 'tech' which might be iPad or laptop or Xbox. At 6.30pm all devices go away (ours too!) and we have dinner together. At weekends it's a bit more flexible but no more than 2 hours in the morning and two late afternoon. Kids are 9 and 6. TBH the 6 year old never uses up this allowance as he'd rather be doing something else.

[0hCrepe]

I try to plan alternative activities because having not plans definitely makes screens their fall back activity. Not gaming that much but watching you tubers (ugh).
I've also said no more screens past a certain time and also have completely screen free days but make sure I've got some ideas up my sleeve so they're not like but what shall I dooooo