When is it too much screen-time?

December 7, 2008

I am wondering if you all would be willing to share how you structure

the amount of screen time your children are allowed each week? My 14

year old thinks that I the 'only parent' amongst all his friends who

is strict with screen time. Mind you, I allow 2 hours per night

during the week after homework is done, and am looser on weekends

which can result in anywhere from 4 to 8 hours per day depending on

what else is going on. We have figured out he has about 30 to 40 hours

a week combined screen time which includes XBox, TV, computer and his

video IPod. It's probably closer to the 40 mark.

My son has a panic disorder, OCD, and ADHD and claims that he'needs'

the screen

time to relax. I believe that it does relax him, but I am concerned

that it has grown into a screen addiction. It is the only thing I

know that he would care about if I took away, so I tend to use it

against him when he is being disciplined. When this happens (like

today) he throws a complete horrible fit about not be allowed to play

his XBox

and just goes at it with me all day. When we are away from screens

(like over Thanksgiving) he repeatedly refers to being excited to

return to his XBox. When his friends come over, they almost

exclusively play XBox the whole time which can be 3,4 or more hours if

they are sleeping over. I think all the boys like to play, but I

think it is my son who encourages it. Whenever we ask him to get off

he ALWAYS asks for more time. When we finally get him off, he

literally does not know what to do with himself, except go to the next

screen. His father (also ADHD) watches alot of TV, so my son

(actually both sons) tend to collapse on the couch and watch with my

husband. It bothers me so much.

He had a long lapse in between Fall baseball and basketball which

starts in January, so he really was getting no exercise. From prior

posts you may remember that this is the kid who does not want to join

any school group or activity. He actually decided to go out for the

school ski team (of which I am grateful) and tryouts are this week.

Our school is very competitive so we are hopeful, but not sure if he

will make it. His OCD has actually gotten better lately (knock

on every piece of wood), although ever omni-present, so I think I have

re-focused on the screen situation. I know it may not sound like a

big deal, but the arguments have taken over our relationship.

Is a good amount of relaxing screen time necessary for our anxious

children? When is enough enough and when is it considered an addiction?

Recommended Posts