Screen time for tweens and teens

[Odras]

How do people manage this? For years I managed my kids screen time by banning it during the week and leaving them have free rein over the weekends (but we are also busy at the weekend). This reduced screen time without any rows or power struggles about it.

Now I’m getting major pushback from my 12 year old and have allowed it during the week. She has a tablet now and I just feel like between the tv and the tablet she is spending hours on screens everyday.

She’s busy and also does a lot of extra curriculars and she plays out with friends on her bike and her roller skates. But is still managing to squeeze in 3-4 hours a day on the TV or tablet which seems like too much.

How do mums of older kids manage this without their kids hating them?

What's she doing on the tablet? I don't see all screen time as equal in value so while I wouldn't want 3 hours of viewing YouTube. 3 hours of reading, making videos, playing games and some YouTube would be fine in my eyes

It’s a non stop battle here (4 boys, youngest 10, eldest 17). It’s become as you say too much, too regular, too normal and there’s tons of push back now. I have spoken to them about concentration being affected, living their lives etc and all the things they have to do but they do gravitate back so like you they play chess, board games, help out, go outside but then the fall back is tv holding a phone or tablet (sorry am no help!)

Well she is mostly watching You tube. She does a bit of photo editing and plays Roblox. She’s not allowed social media yet.

I might put timers on certain apps and reduce the Roblox and You Tube.

Her best friend has unlimited time on her tablet and is allowed on all social media and messaging apps so I’m starting to look like the big bad wolf in her eyes.

Mine is younger. I think most people who manage it that I know with older kids a. Have clear rules ie one hour timer b. Find ways to get out of the house ie clubs c. Offer up chores for money - do nothing get no games etc bought for you. But it sounds tough particularly in winter

Doesn't matter if your teen thinks you're mean.... sometimes the tough decisions are the right decisions. Year 8 here - no screens in the week. Always been the rule, he knows why, understands, it's not up for debate and so he doesn't ask now.

Does she have a go to thing to do at home ie read, podcasts, draw. I think if kids have no other purpose at home it's understandable they want screens, its passive entertainment.

@Littlebrownfreckle does that include no tv during week?

We have the same issue with my 13 year old. It’s a constant battle. And his homework is mostly on the laptop so he will move from the work to games constantly. The only way I can deal with it is finding as much to do outside the house as possible, but this puts a strain on me and I know that if I leave him at home during the weekend, he will just be watching tv. I’ve tried to engage him in hobbies but I think screen will always be more appealing. School holidays have become really difficult because of this.

Yes but they aren’t interested in TV so that’s not really a hardship or something they want to do

Yes she does and up until this year she would have done all those things.

I just need to put in a few more rules again I think.