12 yr DS wants to wear ear pods on way to school...I'm opposed. AIBU?

[Nchangeyetagain]

He has to cross three roads to get to school. One can be quite busy. He's been campaigning for ages to get earpods to wear, or wear his headphones. Both DH and I feel worried about him getting distracted by music, stepping off pavement without looking...he says 'I swear I won't, ever' - but of course the reality is, you can get lost in music...

But most of his friends have them, as do those in his class (year 7). But some of them literally live on the doorstep. Or else, we're also really strict.

I also have tinnitus and he's had the occasional ringing in his ears. Second worry is that he'll get that by constant earpod usage.

I don't know what to do...

No idea on the tinnitus but what about if he just wears one? So he can hear his music but also still hear traffic?

That was a potential solution, yes

DS only wear 1 when out and about.

There was a terrible, terrible accident a few years ago around here. A kid stepped off the pavement listening to his music and got hit by a car. Awful brain injuries, lucky to be alive, years of recovery but devastating to family, obv

Ok, that sounds promising. Thanks

Earphones and phones are the biggest cause of teen deaths when crossing roads, so you are right to be worried. They do get stolen depending on were you live. Wearing one is a compromise, but I get the concern.

People who are hearing impaired cope. So long as he looks when crossing then it's fine.

The time when you can effectively police this sort of thing is fast running out. I'd concentrate on reasonable conversations about the need for extra vigilance when wearing them, looking both ways etc; he's more likely to internalise sensible habits if you engage with him as a developing teen with some agency over his life, than if you're just Mum who puts her foot down over things he and his peers see as completely normal. In my experience.

Bone conducting headphones??

something like this: Deal: Bone Conduction Headphones, Bluetooth Wireless Running Headphone, Open Ear Earphone with Mic, Sweat Resistant Sport Headset for Running, Gym, Cycling, Walking, Workout, Hiking, Listening (Black) amzn.eu/d/dd97i7b

My 17YO nephew wears just the one. All. The. Time. Even through family meals. Which is a whole other story but originally it was supposed to be the compromise when riding his bike that meant he could still hear traffic.

What about bone conducting earphones? Allow the wearer to still hear traffic etc, and also the music. Possible compromise?

Once he uses his eyes, he'll be fine.

I know, it's just terrifying. And he's prone to distraction. But how long can i stop him? At least if I negotiate him wearing one, then it's a safer compromise.

Yes, there's a lot of truth in this. A lot. Thanks.

I've never heard of bone conducting headphones! Amazing. Thanks. Will check them out.

Mine always used them on transparency - they thing is not only do dead people manage to look for traffic but electric cars can be very quiet so it's imperative he knows how important it is to look.

I got a set of shokz bone conducting headphones for when I’m walking to work for this very reason.

You could get conduction headphones so that he can still hear the world around him?

No no and no! Very dangerous. The roads are already so busy it's not worth risking it

I agree, you sound like a sensible & caring mum OP. Roads are worry with young children.