How many computers do you need?
By poshpost onI got to thinking, in this modern day and age, when almost everyone has access to a computing unit (whether a desktop, laptop, a cellphone computer, etc.), how early should one expose his or her child to the use of computers? And the other question would be, should children have their own unit at home? Should each member in the household have his or her own personal computer? Would that be wise?
This is the question that I pose, not for financial or practical reasons, but for sound judgment. The rationale these days is that, if you can afford to give one to your child, then why not? But is it practical and at some point, wise?
Number 1, at what age should children be allowed to use computers? We may be amazed at how advanced kids are when they are able to navigate through the desktop and effectively click on the mouse and push the keys on the keyboard. But up to what extent? We worry when they use too much computer. Many become lethargic and obese for lack of exercise, while other wind up with eye and hand problems.
Number 2 concern is the effect of the use of the computer on the thought patterns and behavior of the child. Do they need to mature some more at some point before they are able to use the computer? Shouldn't we put a standard, like what we use for toys? Additionally, having internet is the breeding ground for the learning of wrong values and the exposure of your child to things that otherwise you would not teach. Although there are advantages, the wrong things that they may absorb from the unsupervised use of the computer and internet far outweigh the benefits.
So, if you are a parent of young children in this modern society, what would you choose?
These are good questions. Our son will be 23, so it's been awhile. I think years ago I would have leaned more towards the answer of waiting maybe until 2nd grade with limited computer time. But in today's world, computers are a constant part of our life. And if your child isn't familiar with them by the time they go to school, they are at a disadvantage. I personally need 2 computers - one for business and the other for personal use. I am not allowed to use my business computer for anything other than for work related things, so unfortunately, I do need 2 or I can't expense my business computer and work area. But honestly, there are ways to monitor your child on a computer through parental filters and I feel every parent needs to play an active role in this. We use to set ours up to turn off at 11pm (our son was in his later high school years by then). We also still have filters on our computers for when our youth group comes over. This keeps them from purposely or accidentally being lead to adult websites. And we rotate the time allowed so everyone gets to play or do stuff. If an unauthorized site is clicked on, a black screen comes up with a bright red bar saying it's an unauthorized site. Then my husband gets an email as to what occurred and who was on at the time. Our son hated it, but at least at home, it kept him from being lead astray. But parents need to be an active part in their child's life. As Youth Pastors, we see too many kids that don't have a relationship with their parents in that the parents have NO clue about what their kids do and treat us more like sitters. Don't assume kids know everything you "feel" they should and give them a healthy balance early. Many kids today don't like going out to play like we did as kids. But most of that is because the world has changed. I am sure there are parents out there who are having success in balancing and monitoring too.
thank you so much for your insight janet. i really do appreciate all your comments to my reviews. so many things are going on in our world today and i really ask questions on how to manage the raising of my child in today's world. in most things, i have realized that discipline indeed is the key. and of course, parental presence and intervention. take care and God bless!
My daughter is 24 now, but I didn't even own a computer for myself until she was 14. She was learning about computers at school from the time she was in second grade, picking up typing skills and internet researching skills long before I ever did. I bought a computer for the household because high school papers demanded a lot more research, and the internet is more convenient than taking a bus to the library, if not always the most accurate source of information. I made my daughter learn how to "look up" resources the old-fashioned way though, by using the card catalog at a library. Lol, it's so retro, but what if the power goes out for several days (like it did in D.C. recently) and your paper still isn't done, and your teacher won't budge on the due date? Do kids even know what a public library is, or how we used to write papers in the caveman days before the internet came along?