To not get a tablet or console for my kids?

[GodAgainstAll]

Would like some opinions, please. DS(7) and DD(4). DS has friends who have consoles and virtually every kid seems to have a tablet. He would like both! We have held off as neither my partner nor I are very into tech/games and I would prefer they play old-style or read. I have also heard that consoles change kids’ behaviour and I don’t really want to deal with more arguments/stroppiness. DS has recently really got into reading and I’m worried more screens would kill that. Does it matter? Am I being too precious? I’d like to hear your experiences please. (DS does play consoles when he goes to his friends’ and cousins’ houses; it’s not that I mind him playing per se, I just don’t want it in our house necessarily). Am I going to make him weird? HELP!

I'd hold off for longer because we're starting to see the damage and effects of screen use on children.

The idea that children won't know how to use devices as an adult unless they're handed their own devices when they have an immature brain is ridiculous.

The amount of secondary aged and post-16 students I've had to show how to type a word document, save a document, how to send an email, and other basic tasks is amazing given many have grown up with technology. I'm not sure having a phone or tablet from a young age has made them tech savvy.

Maybe have a family console or device and limit usage.

I think if it's something he really wants then it could be a really good opportunity to teach him responsibility. He could earn screen time etc.

Like others have said, they use tech in school now frequently anyway.

You must live in some weird version of the world

I have zero interest in getting an iPad, it's more than bizarre that you think you can't be a fully functioning adult without one. Apart from linking with my non existent other Apple tech give me one example of a function that I can't perform

And yes, I work and have done for decades without coming across anything that needs an ipad

My ds is in reception and has a 'compulsory' maths app homework 3x a week.

We've always had tablets/old phones about, unrestricted, which has normalised things for the kids I think. They like them for downtime or games, but they'd rather be doing puzzles or playing with brio/duplo, making dens etc. The switch though we only got a year ago, and I do have to limit time on that for ds (dd isn't yet 2 so not an issue!) or he gets very emotional. Minecraft (creator mode) is pretty good though for lack of tantrums and still being creative.

I would also limit tablets/other screens if they became a problem.

I don't think we can get rid of devices as a society now though. They're too integral.

Hold out as long as you can. Get them to read. Tablets are awful. Games are bad for attention spans. They are additive.

Absolutely no phone until high school and then you must restrict it. Never charged in their room.
Charged in your room. Restrict use until 14 or 15 if you can.