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Original poster

Is it normal for a 14 year old to want so much screen time?

111 replies

sleepitoff · 07/12/2024 09:02

He gets a couple of hours in week to game. then he might help with dinner, eat with us, but then wants to pretty much watch TV with us/alone until he goes up to read (under duress) about 9.45. He does sports a few times a week after school.

weekends, he’s up early - watches TV. Some You tube shit. He does sports both days and I will push him to meet friends or go to park, which if the others are willing, happens. Otherwise he wants to hop back on a screen.

Ive tried so hard to present other stuff - and I do organise things for us as a family. And I get him off screen, but it’s a constant battle.

i find it fucking depressing to be honest.

is it normal? Is it a phase?

OP posts:
notyourmummy · 07/12/2024 09:13

sleepitoff · 07/12/2024 09:10

What does he do when not on screen?

Show quote history

Moan, whine about not being allowed on his computer....
Seriously though, he obviously does his homework, and goes out on his mountain bike or goes out taking photos of vehicles.

Original poster
sleepitoff · 07/12/2024 09:11

BarbaraHoward · 07/12/2024 09:11

It sounds like screens are his default downtime activity at home when he doesn't have anything else on. That sounds pretty typical to me? Both for teens and adults. I don't need to do anything right now so I'm sitting on MN with a coffee. 🤷

yes, it is - but he doesn’t seem to know what to do if he hasn’t got an organised alternative

OP posts:
Ohhelpicantthinkofaname · 07/12/2024 09:11

He’s 14. It’s what they do these days and often how they interact with their friends. Yes it’s better that they go out and meet them, but so many parents have so many rules and restrictions around that these days that most socialising happens online.

its pretty normal, but whether or not you let him us up to you.

Original poster
sleepitoff · 07/12/2024 09:11

Coconutter24 · 07/12/2024 09:09

Sounds normal tbh. What do you do with your down time on an evening?

I might watch a bit of TV but I do read and try to do non screen stuff

OP posts:
BarbaraHoward · 07/12/2024 09:11

It sounds like screens are his default downtime activity at home when he doesn't have anything else on. That sounds pretty typical to me? Both for teens and adults. I don't need to do anything right now so I'm sitting on MN with a coffee. 🤷

Original poster
sleepitoff · 07/12/2024 09:10

notyourmummy · 07/12/2024 09:07

Mine is 13 and would be in front of a screen all day and all night if it was upto him. Whether or not I let him do that is a different matter!

What does he do when not on screen?

OP posts:
Original poster
sleepitoff · 07/12/2024 09:10

he does his homework and he works towards mid term tests - but it never seems a lot.

OP posts:
Coconutter24 · 07/12/2024 09:09

Sounds normal tbh. What do you do with your down time on an evening?

GretchenWienersHair · 07/12/2024 09:09

It’s annoying but it’s also very normal. I’m sure my DD would spend 24 hours a day on her screen if she could. I take her phone at night on school days but on Fridays she’s allowed it, and sometimes her and her best friend just stay on FaceTime to each other even when their cameras are off and they’re muted. It’s all very strange if you ask me but according to her and my DNs, it’s normal.

I do my best to manage her screen time as she does not have the willpower to do it herself, and it sounds like you’re doing the same for your DS.

notyourmummy · 07/12/2024 09:07

Mine is 13 and would be in front of a screen all day and all night if it was upto him. Whether or not I let him do that is a different matter!

HazelTiger · 07/12/2024 09:06

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