to give up and let DC have unlimited screen time?

[Tipsntoes]

They're 14 & 16yo, so trying to manage the time they have on screens feels like (and probably is) control freakery. But, if I don't they would never do anything else. They always have one gadget or another in their hand, often two or three. DS1 is currently "studying" on his lap top but also has his phone in his hand. He's 16, almost 17 though, there must come a point when i say it's down to him?

I occasionally wonder why "non screen time" is deemed to be intrinsically better than screen time.

If you enjoy gaming/social media/whatever why is this more of a waste of time than knitting (random non screen hobby, insert your own hobby of choice)?

Clearly if the screen time is invasive to the point of the DC not going to school/doing their homework/managing self care/doing any exercise then it is too much. But if it isn't then is it really harmful?

Pre-teen and teen here have no phone after a certain time and no phones at table/when doing an "activity". I'd like to ban them during homework, but they both seem to take screenshots of stuff on the board and genuinely (I've checked) liaise with school pals while doing particular items of homework.

RedSky

i think the hub of it for me is that I know how hard it is to drag myself away from MN when I could be doing more productive things

I'm not sure teens can self-monitor and I also know that when DS1's computer broke for a couple of weeks he was much smilier and more sociable

They both do fine at school. The little worry I have is that they could be doing better. My rules are similar to yours though and at a certain point you can only lead a horse to water

Really interesting that your DCs are allowed phones in class though.

This is the worst time of year for screen time IME. My 14 yo is out at Football tonight but has been on screen constantly over the holidays.

Router is going off 6-8pm School days now, starting tomorrow.

My DS ( but not my DD at a different school ) is allowed his phone in class.