The Complicated Issue of Unlimited Screen Time
If we give kids unlimited access to screens and the Internet, will they all learn to self-regulate their usage? Perhaps all we need to do is let go of control and trust. Maybe allow a bit of time for kids to get used to the fact that the screens won’t be taken away and they don’t have to fit as much computer time into their days as possible. It’s that simple. Or maybe it’s not.
Could some children have problems? Will they need our help as they learn to manage their screen time in a way that’s beneficial to them?
If screen time is getting in the way of a child’s health and happiness, how do we help her? Do we make rules limiting her time on the computer? Or do rules not work? Rules set us up for battles. Kids also don’t learn anything from them except that parents are in charge and they’re not. I guess they might also learn how to break the rules.
So is there a better way to help kids rather than limiting their screen time? Because what we really want is for children to understand themselves and their needs and work out their own ways of dealing with screens, ways that allow them to do what is important to them without compromising their happiness and health. Maybe some adults (like me) need to learn how to do this too.
I’m talking about screen time in this week’s podcast, episode 136: The Complicated Issue of Unlimited Screen Time.
I’m sharing my story, Is It Really Okay to Let Unschooling Kids Have Unlimited Access to Screens and the Internet?
And I’m discussing the questions:
Will all kids learn to self-regulate their screen usage?
Do adults have trouble self-regulating?
Should we respect our kids’ choices?
Why do we fear letting go of control?
What is sensible screen behaviour?
Is the Internet really addictive?
Is making screen rules a responsible thing to do?
Or is there a better way to help kids self-regulate their usage?
Do we have to do more than just step back and give our kids complete freedom to do what they want?
Show Notes
Blog Posts
Is It Really Okay to Let Unschooling Kids Have Unlimited Access to Screens and the Internet?
My Unschool Unplanning Strewing Notebook
Podcast
Episode 105, Social Media, Internet Addiction, and Screen Time
Youtube
Photo
This is my daughter Gemma-Rose. I took this photo more than a year ago while we were filming one of Imogen’s music videos, Into the West. As you can see, Gemma-Rose has two screens (smartphones) in her hands, but she’s not using them to access the Internet or make phone calls. Imogen’s music is on one phone and Gemma-Rose is using the other one to take photos.
I’m using an old photo for this post because I couldn’t find a more recent one that includes some kind of technology. Even though my family spends a lot of time using computers, I could only find photos of my girls doing other things: picnicking, running, wandering through the bush taking photos, painting our house… I guess that illustrates the fact that unschoolers who have unlimited access to screens and who do spend a lot of time on their computers, can also enjoy spending time with their families, exercising and experiencing the beautiful outdoors!
Thank you for listening to this episode. If you enjoy my podcast, please consider sharing the link so we can spread the word about unschooling. A quick review or rating on Apple Podcasts, or another podcast app, would help too!
Please feel welcome to stop by and say hello or leave a comment about anything I talked about in this episode!
I’d love to hear about your unlimited screen time experiences. Do you have any concerns? How do you help your kids regulate their screen and Internet usage? Or perhaps screen time has been a simple issue for your kids just like mine. And do you ever have trouble (like me) managing your own time online?