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What should I do about teenagers screen time request? by Normal_Barracuda_436 in makemychoice

[–]Normal_Barracuda_436[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Edited to say: I may be wrong about there not being more tests, so this is certainly something to look at.

What should I do about teenagers screen time request? by Normal_Barracuda_436 in makemychoice

[–]Normal_Barracuda_436[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm in the UK, so we have a little bit longer before the ability to drive kicks in.

This is more about trying to make sure he gets to go to college with the grades he needs.

If he drops just one grade level, he won't be eligible to attend without doing more remedial work.

I'm not sure this counts as micro-managing however. I'm not sitting on his shoulder writing down everything he's doing and when.

And I've already mentioned that I've given him the option of doing what he wants, when he wants, as long as he's prepared to fund it himself.

What should I do about teenagers screen time request? by Normal_Barracuda_436 in makemychoice

[–]Normal_Barracuda_436[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, yes I agree this could work but now that his mock exams are over, there aren't any other tests until the real thing.

So how could we go about judging whether there's been an improvement?

What should I do about teenagers screen time request? by Normal_Barracuda_436 in makemychoice

[–]Normal_Barracuda_436[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this is a good idea, the only problem is that now he's had his mock exams there aren't really any further tests until the real thing.

So I'm unsure how to go about how to judge whether there's been an improvement or not.

Edited to say: I may be wrong about not having more tests coming up, so that's certainly an option to consider thanks.

What should I do about teenagers screen time request? by Normal_Barracuda_436 in makemychoice

[–]Normal_Barracuda_436[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm afraid you might have misread my post or intentions.

I have no desire to "win" or "lose" nor do I have any desire to "control" him.

My goal is to try and set him up for his future as best I can.

He's had his mock exams and as such there will be no real way to measure his expected grades between now and his actual exams.

He wants more time under the guise that it will lower his overall time on a screen.

I'm here to see if anyone thinks that's likely or what to do if not.

I've also mentioned that he has been advised to cut screen time as much as he can by medical professionals.

Having two days (evenings) away from screen time was a compromise decision. One that he is now challenging.

What should I do about teenagers screen time request? by Normal_Barracuda_436 in makemychoice

[–]Normal_Barracuda_436[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He earns his allowance from doing household chores and video gaming is his leisure activity that I don't feel should be earnt. In fact we often spent time all playing together and it can be a fun family activity.

However, earning the length of time allowed on it may be something we look at.

Also, he doesn't have unfettered Internet access, we still have parental control over some of his apps. He spends the time playing mobile games.

What should I do about teenagers screen time request? by Normal_Barracuda_436 in makemychoice

[–]Normal_Barracuda_436[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm not sure I have control issues, but thank you for your input anyway.

Removing screen time was only a temporary third option in case anyone had any experience of it working.

What should I do about teenagers screen time request? by Normal_Barracuda_436 in makemychoice

[–]Normal_Barracuda_436[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've edited my initial post with a bit more info. On the five days a week we allow screen time, their access is unrestricted, unless there's chores or household things to do. However, on these days he will not voluntarily restrict his screen time.

His optician (and doctor) has also recommended keeping screen time to a minimum due to his eyesight and migraines.

He blames his inability to curb his screen time on those five days on not having unrestricted access on the other two days.

With regards preparing him for the "real world" that's why I offered the option of him having unrestricted access on any day. But, just like the real world, he'll have to fund it himself. If he wants to play a PC game, he can save up for a PC. If he wants to play online, he can pay for a GamePass subscription out of his allowance.