Do you monitor your kids screen time- how often they use devices/watch tv/play video games etc?
Our kids are 8 and 12 and are always complaining at the limits to their screen time.. they’re allowed their devices in the mornings once ready for school, (this could be 5 minutes or 45 depending how much they dawdle!) and then from 5:30pm-dinner time OR from after dinner till bed time (either option allows for 30-60min).
DD12 feels it’s ‘unfair’ and that her friends get to use theirs whenever they want 😂 (My response is usually ‘lucky them!’)
They are also allowed 2x 2hr blocks on weekend days..
We are just wondering what other parents do.. do your kids have free reign when it comes to technology, or specific times?
Kids and devices/technology
Kids and devices/technology
Posted in:
Kids
8 Replies
We allow 30 mins per day, longer on weekends. This does not include tv. I don't have a restriction on tv. My kids will generally watch a bit in the morning and maybe a little in the arvo. As long as they play outside/ride bikes and do their reading, i don't have an issue with tv time.
I don’t monitor TV. But I do the iPad. They share the iPad so it’s easier to pull them away because they need to swap over and let the other have a go. It varies depending on the day but I’d say they have around 1-2 hours a day. Maybe more on weekends.
I don't impose a limit (obviously I supervise their internet usage etc) because I think it's important for them to learn how to moderate their own usage, how to prioritize other things in their lives and how to manage their time efficiently (I know a lot of adults who don't know how to do that lol).
I also think because we don't have limits, my kids aren't obsessed with the iPad/video games etc, they're just as happy to do crafts, play with toys and play outside. It's not such a novelty I think.
We've had kids come over and play who do have limits at home (I try and respect parents wishes and maintain that limit whilst they're here) and they'll ask me every 5 minutes if it's iPad time, it would drive me insane if my kids did that all day 😂
Ultimately, everyone's family is different. If your rules work for you and your family then stick with that!
It is also important to mention all children are different. Whilst your kids may not need 'restrictions' others might. If i didn't have restrictions i could confidently say my elest child would spend all his time on his device, however the same does not go for his brother who is quite happy to do other activities. I have friends who put no limits on their kids device use and they spend all of their free time on them, which also interferes with sleep hygiene and what not. Kids need boundaries whilst they are devoloping these skills.
Yes, which is why I mentioned everyone's family is different and that people should do what works for them.
This is simply what works for our family.
We had this growing up for the internet, however it was limited to 1hr (not TV though, that was a "family affair" or unrestricted).
If we sat around all day watching TV though it would be turned off and we were sent out the back to play or asked to do chores.
I don't impose a limit because he's already good usually with time he spends on it. Sometimes he might be on it alittle long but he prefers to go to the playground or play with his toys. I find the more you limit the more they want it. He's usually only glued to it at night before bed.
Our kids are allowed IPads for 1-2 hours twice on the weekend only so 1-2 hours on Sat afternoon and the same on Sun but they go out to a park or somewhere in the morning, have lunch and then have to have an hour of quiet time (my friend give me this idea) they have to play in their rooms/look at books etc. Then it’s a little iPad time and then off to the grandparents, they have a swim/play up there. That’s it but they are 4 and 6. Your kids are much older though.
They do say no phones iPads just before bed as the light from these devices don’t promote sleep.
I don’t think you’re being mean at all. They are getting lots of time.
I like the idea from others homework etc first.
What about reading before bed? I loved books when I was a kid.
Don’t worry too much about what their friends do it’s your kids, your call 😊