How long should DC be allowed to spend on the computer?

[chicaguapa]

Have set up a pc for the kids to use and am going to set limits on how long they can play on the internet for. DC are 6.5 & 3.5 so they only play on Cbeebies and similar. Wondered how long would be reasonable? Tempted to install one of those timers that shuts down when they've been on for their allocated time but wondered if they were a bit too young for time management lessons.

Hi chicaguapa, my kids are older than yours- 10 and 13, and i still only let them on for an hour at a time- unless it's homework of course.

where do you get one of those timers or do you download it? cos i could really do with one of those, esp with my son who is for ever begging me for five more minutes pleeeease!

I don't really limit time on the computer. I find that DD comes away of her own accord when I think she's been staring at it for long enough. I think certain websites are brilliant for kids learning and enjoyment - CBeebies being one of them.

Screen time is earned in our house, and we try to limit it to 30 mins at a time (ds is 9). I use a digital cooking timer, and ds will sometimes set it himself if he remembers.

Computer is also an incentive to get ready in the mornings. The quicker he gets sorted, the more time he gets on the computer before school.

I think you have to make your own choices to suit your own children, and alot depends on what they are doing - looking for information / writing stuff, etc is different to playing competitive games.