How old should a child be before you let them play on a computer?
By lilybug
@lilybug (21107)
United States
June 7, 2008 9:07am CST
My son started playing on the computer when he was about 2 1/2. He picked it up pretty quickly. My daughter is only 16 months old, but she is really wanting to use the computer. She will hop up and turn it on and then click stuff with the mouse. This morning she got up on the Mac that is not hooked up to the internet and I opened a Winnie the Pooh preschool game for her to click around in. I think 16 months is a little young, but it makes her so happy. What age do you let kids use a computer?
3 people like this
5 responses
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
9 Jun 08
Well, if she is happy on a Computer being able to play a Preschool game, I would say let her play from time to time when you can be around. What happens, is she probably sees you on your computer doing things online, like checking Email, myLot, etc. and she wants to be like Mommy. And since she is playing a Game like this, she will also learn from it as well, and that can be a Big advantage as well.
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
9 Jun 08
My daughter was almost 3 the first time she expressed a real interest. I thought it would be sooner. Seeing as how her father is always on his laptop. Maybe she sees you on the computer and wants to do what you are doing. The Winnie the Pooh thing sounds good. At least its educational. Just look at it as she is getting a head start.
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
7 Jun 08
I think it is amazing how quick kids pick up the workings of a computer, they are amazing. I know it is when they are young their little brains are like sponges so I would say with supervision let them go when they look like the have any ability.
@michele_villasenor (624)
• Philippines
7 Jun 08
My daughter is 19 months old but she too enjoys the computer so much. I do not tolerate it though. I let her play only for a few minutes then I distract her with something else she can be busey with, such as toys, tv, etc.
@Gemmygirl1 (2867)
• Australia
9 Jun 08
I think it depends on the situation.
My daughter, now 2, isn't allowed to touch mummy & Daddy's computers however, you can buy little laptop computers for children/toddlers etc that are for educational purposes only!
You should check out the range of Leapfrog, Fisher Price & any other children's brands you can think of & perhaps look in to buying one of those for your kids. That way, you know what they're doing, they cant kill your real computer & you know they cant get up to any mischief!
I think that if you don't want kids playing with computers at all, then you should have discouraged them from touching in the first place & they're less likely to want to play with it at such a young age.
It all depends on how you parent & what you're happy for your kids to touch & use. I just think the kids laptops are a great idea & have seen the benefits with my own nieces :)
