Discussions

My husband and I have just had an argument (for what feels like the billionth time) with our 15-year-old about electronics usage.  
 
We would like to know how many parents out there let their children have unlimited time on their gaming systems and whether or not you let your children take their phones to bed with them at night. no judgment, just wondering how other parents are handling their children's exposure to these devices.

Simplest device I got over a year ago ended many, many of those same arguments about gaming and internet use. I definitely don't let my kids have unlimited use of our internet and social media. I have a set time in the evening internet is unavailable to my kids, they need uninterrupted rest. My kids also don't have data on their prepaid phones, only for emergencies.  
 
Edited by BlueJeans, 2019-02-11 19:39:35

or inside... stop the cell phone and video game madness. the less your child is on screen the better. period!

On the taking phone to bed I would say no. My kids are not near that stage but I don’t think that’s a good idea.  
 
On the gaming side of things, using myself as an example. When I was 16 I didn’t have a time limit. Their were some days after school I’d play for roughly 5-8 hours but I also played outside lots too and I worked 20-25ish hours a week then as well. It’s all about balance.

There was always a cool down period before bed. You detached from all electronics. This is why kids want to stay up later and sleep in.

They have to be responsible to gain unlimited phone use. If chores and homework are done then I don’t care if they play games for a couple of hours. They also do at least 10 hours of sports each week so down time is needed.

As long as they have their chores and homework done  
then I let them play on their game system / cell phone. I also allow them to take their cell phones to bed with them. They have to get themselves up in the morning and if they stay up late and play on their phones then they learn that there are consequences for their actions. I don't care what other parents think, I am raising my children to learn there is consequences for their actions.I feel if my children don't make mistakes how are they going to learn to be adults.

If they are doing well in school get their choirs done help around the house and are well behaved, respectful and responsible they shouldn’t be restricted. The phone in bed thing is walking on thin ice and would be the first thing to go if there was even suspicion of a problem.