How much is too much screen time ?

jodyk

Hi all, any thoughts on what is an appropriate amount of time to allow an 11 year old to play computer games / watch TV each day ?

Thanks in advance !

LadyMayBelle

How much of it is played alone, or with family members?

Only asking because if little johnny was to sit and watch a nature programme with the family with discussion, I'd probably rate that more as family time rather than screen time...

jodyk

No it's definitely not the nature programme with the family we're talking about - it's hours of time being spent alone playing computer games, playing with iphone computer games, and watching TV (suitable programmes such as Simpsons, Dr Who etc, no issue with the content - it's the length of time I'm concerned with).

Have seen recommendations of limits of 2 hours total per day - doesn't seem like a lot - but am also feeling the amount of time currently spent is far too much.

But perhaps I'm old school - grew up in a time when you were sent out to play, and slobbing around the TV all day long simply wasn't an option !

Just would appreciate hearing from other people in relation to limits they set.

McDonnellDean

Your only concern here really should be weight and well-being as opposed to arbitrary numbers....

The thing is, we don't really know what is too much. Back when video games where simple button pushers it was easy to say an hour or two a day was enough as they weren't getting much more from them than TV. These days it's a little harder to say. Many games require large amounts of concentration, dexterity and reasoning and with things like Minecraft or similar you have the whole spacial awareness part.

Software is actually going through a process called gamification. You see it all the time with little badges and achievements that apps on our phones and tablets give. This is as a direct result of gaming. Gaming in and of itself isn't bad, it can be a very good mental exercise.

The games to watch out for are usually MMORPG's. These are the ones with subscriptions and usually only on PC's (although not for much longer). While the games themselves aren't bad for the user they do tend to drag some people in in the same way gambling does. This is more an issue with the person than the game though and is no different laying on the cough all day watching telly.

From personal experience as a gamer approaching 30, I'd say apply the same logic you would to any other hobby. As long as it is not interfering with school work and they are getting out into the fresh air for a bit I wouldn't worry too much. Personally I would rather them playing Minecraft for 8 hours on a rainy day than sitting in front of the telly watching cartoons that offer no interaction.

EDIT:

In terms of total screen time. There is not a lot you can do about the fact that kids get more of it these days, this is simply because there are more screens to look at. As above, apply the same logic, if they are happy and healthy leave them at it.

ShaShaBear

Would totally agree with McDonnellDean here, games have changed so much from when we were kids. Nowadays, a certain amount of tact, intelligence, rational thought and planning goes into the majority of big games. Even something like GTA5. While not suitable for an 11-year old, I have watched my partner play, and have seen him fail a mission, having to tactically change his playing method, have a good think about what he was doing and then proceed, which resulted in positive rewards. It DOES help with cognitive function, dexterity and even memory function. Especially if you can get him into playing some point-and-clicks like Broken Sword (the newest instalment is out in a few weeks) or Simon the Sorcerer. Government strategy games like Tropico and SimCity are great at honing management and logical thought skills, weighing good vs bad actions.

Honestly, if my kid were on these games every free second of their day, but still did their homework, ate well and socialised with friends, I'd let them at it. Again, as said above most video games that are thought to do harm are because of the personality of the person playing them.