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I'm listening to the Triangulation podcast with Becky Worley and Leo Laporte. Becky asked Leo how much technology is appropriate for kids (she has twins) and he says he doesn't know. Becky then makes a really good observation. She says that "back in our day" tv shows were self contained with a beginning, middle and end that allowed us to then move on to another activitys. TV today is just one long to-be-continued show and of course there is no end to youtube or pinterest. I thought it was a very interesting point. No conclusions drawn but thought provoking. It makes me wonder if it's possible to consume these services in a different way that would be more appropriate for kids.
Similar story. When I was in high school there was no internet but there were BBS systems. They were in high demand so the operators placed time limits or activity limits on each person. I remember coming home from school and knowing I had 20 minutes I could spend making my 3 games moves allowed by the BBS for the day. Then I did something else. So it is similar to what Becky was saying.
A simple time limit isn't the same because it doesn't provide a sense of ending for the person. I found it very thought provoking and I haven't even had any alcohol tonight (can't anymore).
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First of all, is this about screen time or alcohol? :-)
I am also curious about this, but for adults as well as children. The Internet seems to have a mesmerizing effect on a whole lot of people. Sometimes when I am in public places, I am stunned by how little human interaction there is due to everyone staring at their screens.
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Very interesting point about the internet not having an "end" as a TV show does.
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I moved to a different state the summer between 7th and 8th grade, and we lived in a apartment the first couple months while our house was being built. Strange town, no friends, and no kids around to hang out with. I watched WAY TOO MUCH TV those couple months. We didn't have cable, and this was pre-VCR/DVD, and I remember being so bored that I found myself wishing for a channel with a constant stream of shows that interested me. I can't imagine how pathetic I would have been if I'd actually had one!
I STILL feel guilty thinking about how lazy I was that summer. What were my parents thinking not taking me to the library or making me do something productive?!?!? In comparison, I think my kids are handling these temptations pretty darn well. I guess they are too busy with school and activities to get sucked in.
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But that's been a while. Either way, the normal day was wall to wall broadcast. Kids could just sit there and veg out, just like now. The Internet isn't really different.
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When I was young the kids shows didn't last all day long. There were a few after school and that was it. On saturday I think they went to about 11am. So unless I wanted to watch the news or a soap opera the shows effectively ended. :-)
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davemchine wrote:
When I was young the kids shows didn't last all day long. There were a few after school and that was it. On saturday I think they went to about 11am. So unless I wanted to watch the news or a soap opera the shows effectively ended. :-)
same here.
this is a topic that I just get into arguments with many parents about; I'm quite strict with screen time and I lock down the computer to all but 8 sites for my kids. but, hey, those kids are not my kids and the way I look at it is that mine will have the advantages of more serious study and quiet time habits, which have shown to lead to more creativity. so, go ahead other parents, load them up with screen time!
