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Since going [near] unlimited screen time we have seen a huge change in how our son (8yo) engages with the iPad and computer which has resulted in a much happier

Since going [near] unlimited screen time we have seen a huge change in how our son (8yo) engages with the iPad and computer which has resulted in a much happier and healthier use of technology. As soon as the iPad/computer was no longer "special" due to time limitations it sort of lost its "power" over him. He was much more open to using it for things other than games and funny videos. I felt a bit dumb when I realised it was me putting these limits on his use of the iPad and computer that amplified how much "power" they had over his desire to use them. Obviously there are still some limits but we follow them for ourselves as well (such as no screen time before bed, taking breaks every hour) so they haven't been an issue. I certainly don't think the devices are the problem but more how we give these devices so much power over kids by holding this magical machine in front of them that can do so damn much then restrict access to them so all they ever want to do is very basic things like game.

Izkata 5y ago
> As soon as the iPad/computer was no longer "special" due to time limitations it sort of lost its "power" over him. Back in 9th grade when I was 14 or 15, we had a substitute teacher who was just out of college and our regular teacher hadn't prepared any sort of lesson plan for her, so instead of doing what we were supposed to we somehow got into a long conversation about adulthood. The part that's always stuck with me is when one of the other students asked something like, "now that it's legal you must get drunk all the time, right?", and she described the same thing you did here about screens: All the allure was from it being forbidden, and once she was legally allowed to drink she just didn't care anymore.
- porknubbins 5y ago
  In a way it sounds like a naive question but some percent of people will get drunk all the time because it is available, or over use games/devices to the detriment of everything else in their lives. I think in the end all parents can really do is try model a more balanced, well rounded life and hope their kids want that for themselves.

Izkata 5y ago

> As soon as the iPad/computer was no longer "special" due to time limitations it sort of lost its "power" over him. Back in 9th grade when I was 14 or 15, we had a substitute teacher who was just out of college and our regular teacher hadn't prepared any sort of lesson plan for her, so instead of doing what we were supposed to we somehow got into a long conversation about adulthood. The part that's always stuck with me is when one of the other students asked something like, "now that it's legal you must get drunk all the time, right?", and she described the same thing you did here about screens: All the allure was from it being forbidden, and once she was legally allowed to drink she just didn't care anymore.

porknubbins 5y ago
In a way it sounds like a naive question but some percent of people will get drunk all the time because it is available, or over use games/devices to the detriment of everything else in their lives. I think in the end all parents can really do is try model a more balanced, well rounded life and hope their kids want that for themselves.