Is my son’s screen time too much?

[Screne]

DS is 10. He is autistic and has ADHD, very much on the ‘high-functioning end’. He doesn’t use screens for regulating and has no problems when he is told to turn them off and do other things. However, he would choose to be on screens over most other things.

During the Easter, I have had to continue to work from home. Today I am working 9am - 1pm, and letting DS do whatever he chooses (which will inevitably be screens). Once I am finished, we are meeting up with some friends in the park.

My DS doesn’t do what I would consider ‘mindless’ screens e.g. YouTube, Roblox. He uses his phone / PC to create things - he makes games, animations, comics. He’s currently teaching himself how to create short animated cartoons.

My DP thinks that any excessive screen time is bad and nags me about how much time DS has been spending on his screens this Easter holidays. I am mindful, but not as strict, because DS is using the screen as a tool for learning and being creative.

AIBU?

4 solid hours is too much in my opinion.

If DP wants him off screens surely he needs to take time off work to look after him? DP isn't your manager.

Honestly do what you have to do. Sounds like he's building valuable skills and your bossy DP can do one.

Be careful of the effect on his eyes with so much focused screen time. Children's eyes these days are really seeing the impact. Have a break every 30 minutes.

He needs eye breaks every hour get up walk around but sounds fine
Is dp his dad? If so he can take him outside
If not he can shut up

My kids were on screens from waking till bedtime yesterday
I am horrified by this as it’s not unusual
no words of wisdom, wish I’d never bought the dam things
son is very long sighted and bit deaf and torture myself it’s screen time
every day I vow to do something about it but Asd kids are “ happy “ on screens and I hate to see them stressed
I am a shit parent don’t need anyone to tell me thanks

I'd have easily spent that much time watching TV during the holidays (and I now have a PhD). Agree with maybe a break every now and then but sounds like he's doing some good learning with it to me!

I don't really imagine that my school holidays of watching wackaday and why don't you? were moraly superior screen time. You have to work, so it's fine. The park will be fun afterwards.

its fine, especially as he is being creative.

My kids used their tech for a mixture of creativity, gaming and socialising and at 19 and 15 they are perfectly rounded individuals.

DS1 is doing a degree in electronic music production as he is a self taught electronic music producer.

DS2 mostly designs and creates planes which will be useful as he intends to do a degree in aeronautical engineering.

Tech doesn't automatically = bad if it is harnessed properly.

What does your DP propose as an alternative?!?

Ideally one of you shouldn’t be working but if you are both working then it’s kind of needs must