If you limit screen time, how do you do it specifically?
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Anonymous
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If you don’t, that’s cool, no need to respond or debate.
If you do limit it in some way, how? Like is it allowed during certain times of the day and not others? Is it a cumulative amount of time each day? Do you use apps/other tech ways to limit the time. Does phone time and tv time count the same or different? Etc. I know I want their to be limits on the access they have (because they hardly ever voluntarily choose a non-screen activity) but I struggle with the logistics. I have app limits on their phones, but when those time out they just switch to other apps or the TV or computer. I’m busy too so it’s hard to keep track exactly of how much time they are getting. TIA. |
Anonymous
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I use Screentime app. It's on the phone and iPad. My 13 yo DC doesn't have a computer and I'm not as against TV or if DC is playing video games with siblings or friends because it's not as isolating as individual screens.
The issue with Screentime is that even though it's installed on multiple devices, that means DC gets the allotted time per device. But I get a report each day that shows how much time was spent the day before and we talk about it if it's crazy they get less time the next day. It's also easy to give extra time if something is going on, like a live stream event. The app makes it easier than me trying to police it all the time. The limit is 2 hours on weekdays and 2.5 on weekends, so not exactly low. |
Anonymous
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I stopped having set hours or times about two years ago when so much varied. Some days it was okay to have more than others. If they went to all all day physical camp or had a very long, hard practice then yes, extra time online was fine.
So our rule became they need to be able to get off and hand over devices when needed without throwing a tantrum. This is true for my younger kids and teens. I can take them at any time, but will give some warning, if things are getting done or if needed. I take physically take them - iPad, game controllers, cell phones etc if it’s becoming an issue. No one sleeps with them in their rooms. As they got older they got around the parental control apps and it became too much for me to manage. Physically taking them always worked. |
Anonymous
| 11:16 again and yes, I tried Screentime and various other apps. It’s only a matter of time. But Screentime worked great to control apps when they were little. |
Anonymous
When my kids turned 4, they were allowed to watch screens when on airplanes. At 7, they were allowed to watch when on vacation (maybe a half hour before bed or something) and when they were home from school, sick. We have never limited using screens for school or for connecting with relatives who live far away. Starting in 7th grade, they could watch one show/movie a week. We pretended not to notice that all the kids would watch with the kid who chose their show, thereby giving they more than one show.  Also in 7th grade, we let them use FaceTime or text with friends as long as all homework and chores are done, and it's not during dinner. Once they've been accepted to their first college, they can watch or use screens as much as they want.
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Anonymous
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With DS, 9, when it’s time for him to be done playing Roblox on our desktop computer, I have to literally take the cord away when it’s time for him to be done. Otherwise he will “misunderstand” what I meant when I said he had to get off (“I didn’t know you meant for the rest of the day!”).
I used to say unlimited screens on weekends, none on weekdays, but the pandemic shot that to hell, so now we just try to not let it get past four hours a day. Considering everything I think four hours tops is pretty good. With DD we let her watch unlimited YouTube on the family TV and her phone is limited via screen time. She has bypassed controls a few times (and has lost phone privileges for weeks each time) but I’m mostly okay with how it’s going. |
Anonymous
I’m the 11:16 poster and your house, your rules. It was very nice when they started making their own plans and by 10, they were using their devices are a phone to talk and text to friends. Mine didn’t have unlimited access in elementary in middle school at all and I heavily monitored but I also realized how connecting with others was important for social reasons. Especially this past year when things were shut down. There were times they would watch movies together while FaceTiming, in the worst of Covid when no one was getting together. |
Anonymous
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Only screen time in another language that DD is learning
10 minutes a day (one cartoon episode) Unlimited screen time for schoolwork/research, computer is in main room facing out No mobile phone or ipad Lots of time outside DD is 9 |
Anonymous
This is teens and tweens. |
Anonymous
You can't take anything away from suggestions given and apply that to older kids, really? |
Anonymous
9 is definitely a tween. Tweens can start as young as 7 but 9-12 are prime tween years. |
Anonymous
| I would’ve just bought my own devices if my parents tried to take them away at 15+. Just being honest. |
Anonymous
| I don't even get the whole tweem thing pr why ots even used. They're kids, let them be kids. |
Anonymous
| Amirite screentime does not have a kill switch? And why the heck not! |
Anonymous
right. A 9yo is a tween. |