To ask about screen time for teens

[PurpleThistles]

Basically my teens are online nearly all the time which is unreasonable I know and I want to sort it out. It started with covid lockdown and has got out of hand because I've let it. So I'd like to ask how much screentime most teenagers have. I have a 12,13,15 and 17 year old. I know my older teens will try the old 'my friends get way more time' tactic so I want to be prepared!

We're in the same situation to be honest. Though the 14 year old actually does go out and play with his friends for at least a few hours most days in the holidays but that's because he enjoys being out and about. 15 year old pretty much on screens from waking to sleeping, aside from eating - though that's 'only' 8-10 hours as he's sleeping late. 12 year old similar, though she also reads, plays with the cats and occasionally hangs out with a friend in the village for an hour or two. She mostly watches TV shows.

To be fair, left to my own devices I can easily spent 10+ hours a day online or reading on kindle, so I can't really tell them not to!

Also, anything not online tends to cost money I don't have, so there's also that aspect!

@RagzRebooted I wish I could say the same, that mine go out to play for a few hours but they don't. Not unless I drag them out with me. I've tried in the past just turning the WiFi off and telling them to go out, my 12 year old will just sit on the door step and the 13 year old will go out for ten minutes (usually to the shop) and then expect to come back home and go online. They harass me so much I get fed up and end up turning it back on. I should be firmer but also trying to deal with a non verbal, non mobile toddler who is often frustrated and between him fussing and them nagging at me, I give in before I explode.

Unless they have hobbies, outdoorsy friends or the money and location to go out and buy lunch/coffee/greggs or whatever then screens is pretty much all they can do.
When DH was that age he hid in his room listening to records and wanking all day.

I would hide in my room and read. It's just teenagers.

@RagzRebooted I read all the time too! I used to take a book out, climb a tree and sit and read all day. None of my teenagers have developed a love for reading sadly. I read them bed time stories for years and got them lots of books etc but the mistake I made was letting them start gaming.

[quote PurpleThistles]@RagzRebooted I read all the time too! I used to take a book out, climb a tree and sit and read all day. None of my teenagers have developed a love for reading sadly. I read them bed time stories for years and got them lots of books etc but the mistake I made was letting them start gaming.[/quote]
Only DD(12) still reads and did the same as you with bedtime stories and books. DS1 will read quite happily, but won't choose that over gaming so only reads on holiday or during a power cut!