#Collaborative postÂ
Technology is one of those things where on one hand it is amazing and on the other, it can cause so many stresses. Then when it comes to kids and technology, well that is just another battle on its own! Both of our children have access to technology and I remind them just how lucky they are with it. However, there does come limitations to this.
We have always been fairly lenient with the kids and technology, but we have set boundaries for them both along the way. For example, their devices are limited so it has a parental request should they try to download any apps. Kayleigh also does not have any social media accounts yet, even though she is almost 14 1/2, she has no need for them and we are in no rush to give her access either, once you start down that path, I don’t think there is any coming back.
Both children are given times to be off their tech by a set time too, this is to allow them to chill out, unwind and get ready for bed without being hyped from what they have been playing or watching. It isn’t always easy though and there is some trust with the children as to what they watch on the TV/computer. Although there are limiters on their accounts, there are plenty of platforms where you don’t need to log in, where things can be seen that should be.
Reliant recently surveyed 680 parents to get their thoughts on televisions and their children’s TV habits!
Kayleigh and Ethan never really asked for a TV in their rooms and they only got one after we finished the home renovations creating that little space to allow them to have one, however, they do not tend to watch live TV on it often. They tend to watch things such as Netflix and Disney Plus on it more than anything and I am happier with this as when their accounts were created on the family account, we could limit the age of the shows they could watch.
I suspect as the years go on, that 50% of children watching TV will reduce as more switch to streaming versions of their favourite shows. There just seems to be a better range of shows that you want to watch without the adverts, I love the options that you get from them all.
It is hard to imagine life without the technology we have these days, for example, homework for the kids, I am not even going to hide the fact that sometimes I have to Google their questions to understand the topic better before I can help. This wasn’t an option when I grew up, so I think this is an improvement in opening children’s minds up to so much more knowledge and understanding as they grow up.
Personally, I have no issue with children having a TV in their bedroom when boundaries are set. For me, there is never the option to leave the TV on whilst you fall asleep or sit with it on all day, it is about moderation. However, these are just my personal opinions, when I became a mum, I realised quickly that everyone has an opinion on how you should raise your children and what is right and wrong, so now don’t judge parents for their choices, everyone is trying to do what they feel is right.
Does your child have a TV in their room and if they do, at what age did you let them get one? I’d love to know in the comments below your this and your thoughts on the survey.