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AIBU?

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Original poster

to not bring my child up with technology??

316 replies

Babyblues14 · 12/02/2017 18:17

I hate seeing kids in prams holding phones or ipads. Surely children and supposed to be children. When I was younger I could play on own for hours and it was the best time of my life
My partner has a son who lives with us and although hes a teenager now there has never been a time where he is not on a pc, phone or games console. when he was smaller he would scream bloody murder if it was ever taken away from him.
Im currently pregnant and have no plans for my child to grow up like this but my family think Im mad. I just think its a lazy way to shut your kid up. I do use technology but only when necessary and I hardly used social media. I just want my child to have a real childhood instead of scaring at a screen. What do you think??

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 12/02/2017 18:18

There's a happy medium. Doesn't have to be all or nothing.

Poorlybabysickday · 12/02/2017 18:20

I think you would be putting them at a massive disadvantage! It's the way the modern world is, why hold them back!? Obviously everything in moderation, but it's ludicrous to try and keep them away from how the world really is!

JenniferYellowHat1980 · 12/02/2017 18:20

You sound a bit smug. Nothing wrong with supervised, time-limited access to technology. Your DC is highly likely to need excellent ICT skills in future.

Astoria7974 · 12/02/2017 18:21

I actively parented technology time with my dsd from the age of 1 year. She's 8 now and coding basic Java mobile applications by herself. How your kids develop technology skills and manage them along with the rest of their life skills is really up to you as a parent. My dsd has never been allowed to sit on her bum playing video games for hours on end!

Cookingongas · 12/02/2017 18:21

I think that you are implying that children who have technology don't have "real" childhoods?!?

Too much is I agree damaging, but actually in an increasingly Internet dependent world you will be seriously denying and limiting your dc if you fail to teach them how to use and enjoy technology. It's not going away. Moderation is key.

harderandharder2breathe · 12/02/2017 18:21

Yabu and smug

There is a middle ground that most families find between no technology and glued to screens 24/7.

Mol1628 · 12/02/2017 18:21

I don't understand these kind of posts.

Bring your children up how you feel is best. None of your business what other people do.

NapQueen · 12/02/2017 18:21

I think you are goady and smug.

Hth.

Nomoreworkathome · 12/02/2017 18:22

What IS this negative obsession with technology and kids on here. What do you think is going to happen OP?

SparkleTwinkleGoldGlitter · 12/02/2017 18:22

I think you do have to find a happy medium

The reality is any child born is growing up in a world with technology and it will be an important part of there future. I think not letting a child have access to technology will put them at a disadvantage in the modern world

You haven't had your baby yet so it's easy to say oh well it's a easy way to shut your dc up, just wait until your baby is here 😂

vvviola · 12/02/2017 18:23

I had a very interesting talk with someone (child development background) who does a "risks of technology/the Internet" talk for parents of 10/11yos.

Of the risks that he outlines, one of the is the risk of not being exposed to technology at the right age/stage.

He believed that delaying safe, supervised exposure could lead to other problems later. I think along the lines of being behind their peers socially, not being able to access the academic/educational aspects, and being less likely to be able to judge what is safe/not safe if they get unsupervised access later.

It was very thought provoking.

My DC have free access to my iPad and DH's old laptop. (In that they have to ask but we don't ban it). Only age appropriate stuff, supervised by us.

They are currently downstairs ignoring all technology making up magic games.

It's all about balance.

WorraLiberty · 12/02/2017 18:24

It doesn't have to be one or the other

And considering how this technology is everywhere, including schools, you'd do well to strike a happy medium.

I don't understand why you hate seeing kids in prams holding phones or ipads, they're no different to holding any other toy to keep them busy.

And much more preferable to having snacks shoved in their hands.

MongerTruffle · 12/02/2017 18:24

In this modern world, they won't get far without technology. There will be some people who haven't written a letter, gone to the bank, post office etc in the past five years.

Nonetheless, I agree that children who spend hours on end staring at screens are missing out on life.

Astoria7974 · 12/02/2017 18:24

Exactly sparkle. Nothing in the world is as smug as a mum to be.

PigletWasPoohsFriend · 12/02/2017 18:25

I just want my child to have a real childhood instead of scaring at a screen. What do you think??

I think you sound goady...

SEsofty · 12/02/2017 18:25

Can you not see the irony of dismissing the benefits of technology on a social media site?

I don't think anyone would suggest that small children should do nothing but technology but obviously there are advantages

Original poster
Babyblues14 · 12/02/2017 18:25

I dont want my child obsessed and a spoilt little git. Like I said my dh son screamed the place down when it was taken off him and its the most ridiculous behaviour I've ever seen. I see no reason for a one year old to be using a phone or tablet. Surely you should be playing with your child

OP posts:
hazeyjane · 12/02/2017 18:27

For goodness sake what are you doing on the internet.....on social media no less!? And put down that phone, far too technological. Couple of tin cans and some string.......work of the devil, I tell you.

Ah that's better, play with some nice sticks and stones (just don't start rubbing them together, next thing you know you'll be creating fire and then all manner of technological hoohaa will ensue)

gluteustothemaximus · 12/02/2017 18:28

I love technology.

Couldn't do my job without it.

My kids love technology, and they are all super savvy when it comes to internet safety.

There's plenty of educational apps too.

Everything in moderation, as sparkling says, it's not all or nothing.

Oysterbabe · 12/02/2017 18:28

It'll be watching Peppa Pig on an iPad before the year is out.

Nomoreworkathome · 12/02/2017 18:28

Surely you should be playing with your child
Hmm
Yes...... every minute of every waking hour OP.

HermioneJeanGranger · 12/02/2017 18:28

See how you feel in a few years when your kid is a toddler and screaming the place down, you need to work/clean up/answer the phone and nothing will shut them up except Peppa Pig on the iPad.

Pinkheart5915 · 12/02/2017 18:29

Children are growing up in the modern world and yes of course you play with your child Confused but nothing wrong with technology!

In the nicest possible way your baby isn't even born yet NEVER SAY NEVER

gillybeanz · 12/02/2017 18:29

I also think you'd be putting them at a disadvantage too.
However, it doesn't have to be gaming or posting ridiculous stuff on social media.
You can teach them how to type, find their way round various software packages, support what they learn at school.
You can limit time spent on the less important stuff and encourage them to play with toys and games, to get out in the fresh air, to cycle etc.
I found if you instil a sense of adventure and some activity they don't want to sit on screens all day.
When they do find something technology related it doesn't involve them twiddling their thumbs Grin

Tatlerer · 12/02/2017 18:29

Hehehe ahhahhah OP. You'll see, you'll see.