Two 8 year olds should be able to play without a screen

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DS 8 plays hours and hours with Lego- building, or role play. He also loves writing and drawing. I still read to him every bedtime, and he spends a lot of time listening to his Yoto player. On week nights he is allowed DH‘s iPad from 5pm until whenever dinner is ready (usually about 6pm). He generally plays Sonic or Tocca Bocca World. We don’t allow YouTube. At the weekend he is allowed a bit longer. I’m happy with our routine, I think DS has a good balance.

His best friend (also 8) spends most if his time on his own iPad, or Switch. He doesn’t play with toys anymore, and has no interest in reading (his mum told me this, I‘m not just being judgy). DS says it is boring at his friend’s house, because all he wants to do us watch football videos on YouTube and they never play anything.

Every time his friend comes over, it only takes 10 minutes until they are asking for the iPad. They are only 8, I‘m not happy with them spending a whole playdate gaming. I do however let them have it after a while of playing. DS is desperate to play games (Lego or general role play) with his friend, but his friend just is not interested and pretty much mopes around until it is iPad time.

AIBU to be really shocked by this? I really think two 8 year olds should be able to have a 2 hour play date without a screen. Am I just an old lady and this is how most kids are nowadays?

Mine wouldn't want to do lego or role play on a playdate.

But he'd want to play board or card games, play out in a garden doing things like football/swingball or frisbee, or play with things like marble runs.

I'm with you on limiting screens on playdates op. The only time we allowed it was once when DS first got a switch and we let him play with his friend for a treat.

It‘s been interesting to read the responses, thanks.

When I see the two of them together, they seem like two peas in a pod. But it does seem like they have different interests. I‘ll try other activities next time, board games etc., to steer them away from the iPad. Thanks for the suggestions.

I‘m not trying to be holier than thou- in my post I said they both came to ask for the ipad after 10 minutes. My DS would easily spend all day on the ipad if I let him. I find it incredibly sad if an 8 year old can’t just play without a screen being involved. But I had no idea some kids don’t enjoy role play, regardless of screen use, which is why this thread has been useful.