No TV

[nutcrackingcrazy]

The TV broke a while back and I was delighted. The kids hardly watched it anyway and I'm finding we are speaking more, spending lovely time together as a family not being distracted by it.

AIBU to think the kids don't need a TV? We don't have internet either so no computers or screens (which has always been so). Kids are 4&6.

@rosiejaune I don't think OP mentioned using internet based viewing. All she said is she uses her mobile connection for going online. And yes she was sounding smug about it. You on the other hand are a hypocrite and smug as if you watching videos online is any different to watching normal tv hardly anyone watches life tv anymore so you are not that special really

@SquareSausages she probably means sHe uses her mobile phone data rather then wifi

The OP asked if people thought children needed television and I told her I don't feel we're missing out. It's her AIBU, not mine; I didn't ask if IWBU.

I don't know why people are assuming I think there is something wrong with the concept of television (compared to Netflix) in general. So what is there to be smug about? I'm not saying it's acceptable to watch screen A but not screen B.

It's the content I don't like; when I've seen television either advertised, or at someone else's house, or seen a television guide, it seems to be mostly old films, quiz shows, celebrity programmes, reality shows, and the news (which is established to be bad for mental health, not to mention critical thinking). Plus some newer series that tend to be on in the evening.

That is largely different content to Netflix.

Oh, and soaps.

@rosiejaune I have seen some very rubbish and over simplified documentaries on netflix and shit movies/tv shows on there so don't think there is no junk on there

@rosiejaune and yes the kids once teens might somewhat not be able to join in if their classmates are talking about somr show that was on last night etc

You're on mumsnet, this is arguably Eastenders, Corrie and Jeremy Kyle rolled into one!
Well done on being a more virtuous person than the rest of us. Sleep well.

It's the content I don't like; when I've seen television either advertised, or at someone else's house, or seen a television guide, it seems to be mostly old films, quiz shows, celebrity programmes, reality shows, and the news (which is established to be bad for mental health, not to mention critical thinking). Plus some newer series that tend to be on in the evening.

I'd estimate that only about half, maybe less, off tv programs on netflix are original content. The rest were broadcast live on television at some point.

By the age of 8 my ds had his homework set online.. Lots of online mathematical games etc too.
I would imagine having none at all will isolate your children?

Surely your kids will need the internet for school work if not now certainly at some stage.
You may also socially isolate yourselves.

LOL at the OP who stated she doesn’t have internet while posting on the internet! That’s bloody hilarious!

We live in an age of technology now, whether you like it or not. The bottom line is, kids/teens without internet access will be socially and developmentally behind their peers. It’s just how it is. Kids these days have grown up with technology of all sorts. We may fondly remember our childhoods climbing trees and wandering the streets and coming home when the street lights come on, and not having the internet to distract us, but that’s unfortunately not how the world works these days and we need to move on and adapt. Most schools where I live require iPads from kindy. A kid who didn’t know how to use one would be shockingly behind. Digital technologies is it’s own class along with the core subjects right from year one.

A lot of homework is internet based. All my communications to the school is done through email or Facebook. I haven’t had a landline in over a decade and my kids communicate with their friends through social media. A blanket ban on internet would socially isolate them.

If you’re talking about free to air tv, we don’t watch that either. We have 3 actual televisions in the house, but we watch Netflix, DVD’s, use the PlayStation etc. lazing around watching a movie is great down time for people of all ages.

You clearly have a screen and internet access OP, and clearly are posting on mumsnet for validation, or even just to communicate with others from the comfort of your own home, why can’t your kids?

DD is watching her lectures online and making notes as revision for exams next month. Without the internet she would be scuppered.

Don't get a TV if you don't want one.

However, I think you will find that a good and secure internet connection (broadband and home WiFi) becomes much more essential as your kids go through school and have to do, research and submit homework online.

Virtue signalling at school about how they cannot do X, Y, and Z because you refuse to have WiFi in the house (mobile signal is often not reliable or secure enough) will not cut it.