If you chose not to give your children "screentime" at all before age 5, can I ask why, and how it is going?

[SwordToFlamethrower]

I'm genuinely curious about this. Kids seem to be glued to their screens and many don't seem to be aware of their surroundings, sat in prams or restaurants or family gatherings.

If you've chosen not to do screens with your kids, how are they doing in terms of socialisation, imaginative, spontaneous play and mental health.

Thank you!

The only screens mine are allowed is family film night once a week. They are fine and know how to behave! They like craft/outdoor activities and shock horror - we actually talk to them in restaurants/cafes etc.

what library lets you take that many out?? Ours is limited to like 10 or something

I kid you not. In Kent, we are allowed 30 books per card. Three cards. The last day library was open before lockdpwn 1 in March 2020, so I knew it might not open for months.

They thought I was bonkers but couldn't say no!

It paid off, though.

We didn't have any screen time until much later and then V limited. I used to feel sorry for kids in their buggies glued to screens while mine were taking an interest in everything going on around them - the world is endlessly entertaining if you look up! Two of my children are highly creative - not massively interested in screens. The oldest however is hooked on his phone, I'd say he"s more susceptible to peer pressure. He also has ADHD so an addictive personality but also I I think the gaming serves as a sort of stimming/ zoning out.

We're currently doing a screen detox for my 2 and 4 year old. They didn't watch that much before but nothing now.

They play more and there is less conflict and whinging. However I don't think that a little bit of TV does them any harm either but it is nice that there default is to play imaginatively together rather than asking for TV.

None of mine had access to a screen before starting primary school, although they did watch half an hour of TV after lunch (whilst I tidied the kitchen) and half an hour before bed.

Saying your children didn’t have access to a screen then going on to say they watched TV at X time and X time, is contradictory. TV is a screen no? Whether a child is watching Cbeebies or a something on Youtube, they’re both still watching TV.

The point between analogue and digital TV is irrelevant as the person I quoted has children that are currently in secondary school/sixth form. It’s not as if their children are currently in their 50s, people still had Sky/Freeview/Virgin Media 10/15 years ago lol

@SuddenlyProbably99 it's 30 books per card in North Yorkshire too

I haven't read the full thread but most on here claiming no screens at all until age X only have one child. 2 is a different ball game! A bit of screen time is needed for survival.

I think the use of tablets and mobile phones has contributed massively to young children having low concentration, reduced play skills and lower speech and language ability.

I say that as someone who works with under 5's and seen a massive decrease in these abilities. I see so many children in supermarkets etc holding a phone or tablet instead of the parent engaging them in the real life around them.

Limited TV use has been a factor in most people's childhoods, the difference was it was just at home and not out and about too.

I have screen addicts here, youngest 9, oldest 16, but even though we battle at home, the rule is in the car, a waiting room, a restaurant or when visiting someone screens are not allowed be taken out. It works well, we talk, they look around, sometimes get bored or play a game instead. Long wait and we’ll do noughts and crosses, hangman etc. it’s nearly the only part of my parenting I’m proud of😅

@Tumbleweed101 I agree with all that you say but do think there is a balance. Mine never has and never will have screen out when in public- restaurant or waiting room etc. I am always talking and playing with them and care so much about their development.

However at home if I'm trying to get dressed of whatever without a toddler all over me they do have the iPad here and there and I genuinely don't see the harm in that. I need to survive! It's never for long.

I agree! My children have 11 months age gap between them and the TV was a certainly a lifesaver for me. Hopefully it doesn’t do any long term damage🙄

Great attitude. Get them out doing sport I agree. Less time for screens, plus getting exercise. Win Win.