The battle of Screentime

[topsagain]

AIBU in thinking that we are fighting a losing battle? The lure of screens is too much.

Not sure how to respond really.

My daughter has a tablet, a PS4, Netflix, prime, Nowtv and DVD player. She pretty much has free access to them and never fusses when it's time to turn them off. There is no battle to fight.

If I wouldn't get off screens (PlayStation, gameboy etc) as a child they were just confiscated. People don't seem to do that now.

I think you just need to be firm and consistent, mine go on after dinner and turn it off about half an hour before bedtime. I have 7 kids but only the older 5 watch tv/play Xbox etc. Two are fine but three find it quite addictive but if they moan when it’s time to come off then they won’t be allowed on it so they don’t make too much fuss!

You’re the boss!

I don’t let mine on them during the week unless it’s for homework.
That’s their normal so hopefully it will stay that way.
I know kids who are throwing their lives away addicted to gaming or who think they can be youtubers. It’s sad.

Same as money.. Dc have access to lots but love being creative, reading etc.

It's balance.

It's impossible, but you need to be strict (and be prepared for it to be hard), especially with those who find them addictive.

Gah. It's NOT impossible!

Turn them off -you’re the parent! Ours have no screens or gaming during week, limited screen time weekends. They don’t fuss as they know it won’t get them anywhere. They don’t have their own phones or devices or laptops etc yet. They fill their time with sports or hobbies or board games etc.
They don’t seem overly bothered by their lack of screen time.

It depends on the child and what they’re used to.

My son gets half an hour of screen time a day, apart from Fridays when we watch a film together. So at the moment it’s easy as there is no battle, I know it will be harder when he is older.

As long as it isn’t negatively impacting other areas I don’t think I will be hugely concerned about age appropriate screen time, he will however be annoyed as I will follow age guidelines on games etc.