How much screen time should I let my child have

[mummyparvizi]

I was talking to another mum about how much their son plays games and they were saying they never let their child use their phone or tablet to play games, but I do... is that normal, how much screen time should I let my son have? I'm so busy and if he enjoys it I think it's okay but now I'm worried that I'm not doing what's best for them!

Help!!

[Mariamadeit]

Do what works for you, we all have different things going on and different things that work/don?t work with our children.

[yeknomyeknom]

I agree with Mariamadeit. Here is an article I enjoyed reading and refer to sometimes.

http://project-based-homeschooling.com/camp-creek-blog/sliver-or-how-stop-fighting-about-screen-time

[Monkey]

My daughter?s behaviour is absolutely unmanageable when she uses tablets and phones so we limit usage. But if your son is fine - and provided he gets enough exercise and reading time - then it?s probably fine. It?s all a question of balance really.

[alex_b]

We go back and forth with our 7 year old (and did when he was younger too). While his behaviour is fine we?re pretty relaxed about it, but sometime he?ll need an extended break. We also monitor what causes issues and block those shows/apps in future.

[Pugwash]

My grandchildren aged 5 and 7 are allowed a maximum of 2 hours during holidays and weekends.

[midivydale]

Pretty liberal with screen time this end. Probably too liberal at times, especially during lockdown. I?m not to worried about it. We spend lots of time as a family away from screens, children are active, do fine at school etc so I don?t see an issue. I do monitor what they see/do on their though and we do have some rules in place like no screens before school, no screens before homework/reading is done and then off screens at 7.30 to wind down for the night. Not really any restrictions during weekend/school free days.

[montassa]

as people say - do what works for you.

in our household we have never felt the need to have TV or device time Mon-Thursdays for both children as they are so busy with other activities, school work, dinner, bath etc..

fridays, sat and sundays its all dependent on their behaviour, activities, etc...

[HensloweMum]

I'm very liberal about screen time amount, as long as the kids keep to every other bit of their routine and responsibilities. Eg--after school/after school sport, it's snack then homework then bath and then screen time until dinner, then after dinner if they want until bedtime.

On weekends we keep relatively active, but just like adults who want to do what we like with our free time, I try to make sure my kids can do the same. If that means playing football in garden or playing on their tablet, then so be it.

If it helps, I use the app called Kidslox which helps me limit on those days where it seems like they're on too much. It basically freezes the tablet so it cannot be used, if I flip the 'switch' on the app so to speak.

[Buxton Spring]

Dont take this the wrong way but maybe its you that should stop being so busy and spend more time with them .. no offence

[midivydale]

Bit uncalled for Buxton...you have no idea what the mum in question is busy with. Perhaps trying to work during home schooling? Caring for other children/relatives? Perhaps she is on her own with no partner or family support.You don?t know what anyone is going through behind the scenes so maybe take off hour judgey pants next time? no offence