At what age do you think a child should be allowed to own a computer?

United States
September 27, 2010 1:56pm CST
My daughter is 12, and she loves to play on the internet on this fan club site for this series of books that she reads. She wants her own computer very badly, but I feel that it is easier to to supervise her when she uses mine. However, it would be nice to let her own one for homework. I was thinking about getting her one, and just not hooking it up to the internet.. what do you think?
8 people like this
28 responses
@payout (3794)
• United States
27 Sep 10
I don't have any kids. But I do have nephew and nieces. I think you should allow her to own a computer. Of course you would have to limit the sites she gets on. Now a days you have to be cautious with teenagers. Because there are so many predators out in the world. So make sure you get informed on how to block sites and be able to monitor the sites she gets on. Am not saying to spy on her but just check up on her at times. Like I would say let her know its a PRIVILEGE to have a computer not a RIGHT.
• United States
27 Sep 10
Yes, I think that is a good idea. I say that to her about using mine.
2 people like this
• Philippines
28 Sep 10
yap using computer is very useful now a days
• India
27 Sep 10
i hope at the age of 15........
2 people like this
• United States
28 Sep 10
She would totally disagree.. she wants one NOW! lol
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
28 Sep 10
Luckily for me that I did not have to make that decision. There was no way that I could of afforded another computer when my girls were younger. There were 3 of them here when I finally got us one and we all had to share....you have no idea how many fights I had to break up as a result! Still, the computer was in the living room and I could easily see what they were doing from the kitchen. Each kid is different but I just felt better knowing what my girls were up to on the internet. Now it is just me and my 16 yr old and she has her own laptop. I don't know , Zion. You know your daughter better than anyone. I always went with my gut on this one. The one that is now 16 caused me more concern than any of the others at 12 and 13. The one that is now 24 was like 20 teens in one....her use of the internet was the least of my worries. Go with your gut and your heart.
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Sep 10
Good point. It's more about how much I trust her that how much I trust the computer. I suppose there is nothing wrong with giving her a probationary period of sorts, and then taking it away if it becomes an issue.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
29 Sep 10
I think that is the way to do it. Good luck Zion and thanks!
@dawnald (85129)
• Shingle Springs, California
27 Sep 10
My daughter has one, but it's slow, and she's always on mine. Hard to get online sometimes. But I"m not worried about WHAT she's doing on there, she's very open about it, more the amount of time she's spending.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85129)
• Shingle Springs, California
28 Sep 10
My children are on a similar site, but the chat is very restrictive about what they can put in it. Also they have been briefed about disclosing any private information. So hopefully it's OK.
• United States
27 Sep 10
thats when i got my first computer, let her have one of her own!
2 people like this
• United States
27 Sep 10
I got my first computer when I was 17, and it caused me a LOT of trouble. Maybe things have changed since the days of the old BBS
2 people like this
• Saudi Arabia
27 Sep 10
No problem. Let her explore the world. but you should control them.Dont keep the system private place. keep it in public place in your house
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Sep 10
I plan to put it right next to mine if I get her one. I do a lot of work online, so that would mean I would be right next to her most of the time.
• Saudi Arabia
29 Sep 10
Make some schedule for her to use the system and u find free time to assist and monitor her until she reaches the particular age
@ElicBxn (63194)
• United States
27 Sep 10
You know, I don't have children, but a computer not hooked up to the internet wouldn't have the dangers of one hooked up, however, you would have to be sure she can't get online with it. At 12 it probably isn't a problem, but they start pushing the limit when they get older, and sneakier... good luck
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Sep 10
Yeah, I may start by doing that, and give her internet access depending on her behavior and grades.
@bardgirl (362)
• United States
28 Sep 10
I actually wish I had gotten a computer when I was younger because maybe then I'd actually be more computer savvy instead of a technotard. I think it's fine to get a c computer. I'm sure there has to be some kind of blocker or something that you can add to make sure she doesn't access stuff that you don't want her to. My nieces all had computers by this age or possibly even younger. Until a few years ago I was forced to go to the library myself for any sort of computer access which I really think hurt me because I don't really know that much about computers.
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Sep 10
haha I rated you up just for using the word "technotard" in a sentence. Computers aren't difficult once you know what you are doing.. but being a former technotard myself, I can relate@
• United Kingdom
27 Sep 10
I personally think that the earlier a child is introduced to the computer the better! Education is always important and I guess if a child can get in with computers at an early age then the child stands a good chance of having a lot more opportunities in life later on! I think that a child should be supervised obviously when they are using the computer as we have all heard about the dangers that linger out there on the good old Internet. As long as homework is being done, that's the most important thing first and foremost, then the computer can be used for other things as well such as making online contacts and friends. If you do purchase a computer for your daughter then yes, there's the option that her computer doesn't have to be connected to the Internet. This would definitely ensure her safety. However, she may start to pester you! She may want regular access to the Internet and there's nothing to stop you from monitoring her sessions. Well, good luck. Andrew
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Sep 10
I agree. She will certainly pester me! Yes, homework is the reason I want to let her have one. I monitor her very well when she is on mine, but I'm afraid that if we were both on the internet at the same time, It would be harder to monitor her internet usage. I spend a lot of my time online because I am a website designer. I guess I can always check her history at the end on the day.
@Lore2009 (7378)
• United States
28 Sep 10
I don't have any kids... but maybe from junior high school, sounds about right.
@Lore2009 (7378)
• United States
29 Sep 10
Well, I guess it will depend on the child... if she seems to get out of hand with it, then we might need to monitor it but, if she is responsible, then at that time it should be fine.
• United States
28 Sep 10
This is her second year of junior high. I think it would help to enhance her studies a bit.
@Ted3_uk (114)
28 Sep 10
I was 15 when i first got a PC and internet. things were diffrent then and risk are high on the net.. Virus and illegal content and bad guys and ladys takling to children is a risk.. Some things you can do to make it safer for them include Block certain content and sites. There is perental control software avalible which allows the younger user to only see safe sites, and you can allow or disable I think Microsoft provide this for free from there site, but there are many softwares avalible. You might want to allow then to have a limited Windows account, this stops downloads and reduce risk of virus or then installing software you dont want them using. You can also keep check on the internet browser history, this way you can see what sites have been visited.. You can also get software that will allow you to see what your child is viewing online while you use your computer downstair or in the office. Again always remind young ones not to talk to stangers, and encourage them to talk to you about thier browsing and online experiences so that you can help or step in if required all the best
• United States
28 Sep 10
I already gave out best answer, but this is very good advice, so you just got rated up by me. Very well organized and articulate. Thank you for the heads up about the microsoft content filter
• United States
27 Sep 10
12 would be an okay age, however you will have to set the parental discretion features so that you can keep the weirdo outs. Not so much distrusting but well you know how it is when we get on here. Anyways the internet is an excellent thing for her as she can do school research more effectively. Also you may not want to put it in her room per say. Maybe the dinning room and or living room, this way you can casually peek without her thinking you are snooping.
• United States
28 Sep 10
• United States
28 Sep 10
Yes, I do know very well how it is on here. I don't know what's worse..she wants me to let her walk down the street to the store by herself, and she wants internet privileges....I'm actually thinking that the internet would be more dangerous! you're right about putting it where I can casually look at ...I was totally planning on it if I get her one.
• Pakistan
27 Sep 10
i start using computer when i was about 15 years old. now a days 5 or 6 years old child's are using playing games,watching cartoons, but i think the child should be allowed when he/she become 8 years old.at this age child can learn and use computer. happy mylot
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Sep 10
She started using one when she was 2. but I'm just not sure about letting her have access to the web on an all day basis at such a young age.
1 person likes this
@kjones505 (271)
• United States
27 Sep 10
I think age 15 is a good age to own a computer. That is when I got my first computer. Many parents would disagree with me though because they think it interferes with school work.
1 person likes this
• United States
28 Sep 10
Nah,if anything it help with studying. The internet really has all the information a person could ever need to get good grades.
@cream97 (29087)
• United States
5 Oct 10
Hi. zionsphere. I think that at the age of 12 is a great age for her to have her own computer. You can choose a computer that would be age appropriate for her. I am sure that you would know the best additions to add to her computer to make it suitable to learn from. I know this girl that is a cousin of my husband's. And she is, about 9 year old and she plays on the computer. She loves the games that the computer has.
• United States
6 Oct 10
9 years old is good if they dont have internet. that's really my only concern with the 12 year old
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
1 Oct 10
My son is 10 and he's been wanting his own computer for the longest time. Mostly because he wants to play his computer games. I do want to get him one of those cheap ones, but I'm also afraid that it wouldn't be good for him. Aside from me not being able to monitor him completely, he might download a lot of virus on his computer. I think I would wait until he would be responsible enough to get him his own. You should too. These days, it is a necessity for school.
• United States
2 Oct 10
Fortunately I know how to deal with viruses. I have good software and know how to restore a damaged system. At ten years old she just wasn't responsible enough. Now she's working really hard on her grades, and staying organized. So I'm more willing to consider it now.
• Hong Kong
1 Oct 10
You can buy her a computer and install K9 Web Protection to prevent her from going to any malicious websites. But perhaps the most important thing you should do first is to educate her on not giving out her personal information in the web.
• United States
2 Oct 10
Very true! That really is what concerns me most I think. There are so many stalkers out there, and she's pretty trusting sort...kinda like her mom. I will definitely make sure to debrief her on the importance of privacy.
@Xes210 (294)
• Australia
6 Oct 10
Around the age of 13
• United States
6 Oct 10
what? not 15? lol!
@misheli (552)
• Philippines
30 Sep 10
My son is 14 and I bought him laptop last year. He needs it at school because of their research and project and I often use our desk top so I decided to bought him a laptop so he can have his own. Children really need to have their own computer for their studies.
• United States
30 Sep 10
Yes, that's why I want to let her have one. She seems to get better grades in school when she has internet access.
• United States
5 Oct 10
I've been using computers as long as I can remember; We had an old Apple 2 when I was four or five (96-97ish), and that's what I started on. I think 12 would be a good age; however, if you do bless her with internet, use parental controls to aid in keeping her safe. There are many programs out there, and I reccomend KidsWatch. there's a demo, if you want to try it, however each aspect is sold individualy, making it pricey. You can check it out here: http://www.kidswatch.com/
• United States
6 Oct 10
ahhh good old apple machintosh. I hear that the imac laptops don't get virused. I may go that route for MY new computer.