Computer games, social media and screen time

[Brush17]

My eldest is almost 7. He watches some TV - Duggee or Numberblocks usually. He doesn't play computer games or have a tablet. He doesn't even know how to turn the TV on by himself.

Some of his friends, including his closest friend at the moment, have their own games consoles and tablets. They play Fortnite which is aimed at teenagers. One even has TikTok. My son is quite unaware of being the "odd one out" at the moment, but I'm sure the time will come.

My question is: is this normal? We don't have friends with kids the same age. TBH I'm pretty horrified by the idea of seven year olds using social media and playing violent games, but maybe I'm the weirdo here.

Look at it this way - it's great that you've kept his screen time within reasonable limits so far. You just need to keep it going for as long as you can.

Not all kids develop an interest in violent games. My DS loved cute games like Plants v Zombies at age 8-9, and now he's 13 he mostly plays platform games which are fun and basically cartoonish.

I think one of the best ways to keep screen use healthy is to experience it with them. Watch the shows, talk about them. If they say they want a computer game, watch the trailer on YouTube, discuss with them whether it's nice or nasty, play it with them.

You're not a weirdo @Brush17 and your DS sounds lovely

I think it's normal in some circles and not normal in others.

Do what you feel is right for your DS though, try not to worry about how other people parent. That way madness lies.

I personally agree with you. I think there is absolutely no need for a seven-year old to have access to social media or any more than a little bit of TV/an educational tablet game or two. Others disagree and that's fine, they're doing what they think is best for their child.