Reply to Raising your kids screen-free (or minimal screens) -- experience from parents with older kids?

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[quote=Anonymous]My oldest is in middle school and received her first smartphone at the beginning of 7th.  It started to be a battle as early as fifth grade because she was missing out on group texts her class was sending (all girls private school) and she felt out of the loop, but I held my ground.  I don't believe in restricting screens too much at this age because I believe it's vitally important to head off to college understanding how to self regulate screen use and importantly to navigate social media safely.  We have parental restrictions on her school issued Chromebook and her smartphone.  She has to turn them in to me at 8 pm to charge in my room overnight  (they also have locks shutting down internet use at that time).

I also have younger sons (late elementary) who play video games and watch youtube - they aren't as interested in tv.  It's their favorite activity to do on a playdate so we do allow it although only after outdoor play i.e. towards the end of the playdate.  We don't allow screens during the weekdays but weekends are pretty unrestricted.  That being said, I deliberately put all my kids in a sport that helps limit the amount of free time they have after chores, instrument and homework are done which helps cut down on the screens.

I think for active kids especially, serious sports (i.e. not just rec games once a week but club level) are super helpful for regulating screen time. It really keeps them busy.[/quote]

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