Would/Do you let your teen have the computer in their room?

[yoyo5280]

The title says it all

Merely curiosity.

if yes, why

if no, why

??

[EV0LUTION]

15 and under no.

16 and up I have no problem.

[Abstract]

I don't mind at all, although I don't have my own kids. I think I'd probably set up a rule like above. I mean, eventually, your kids will have to know what porn is. The curiosity is kind of good, actually. It's normal.

[redwarrior]

My daughter is 17 and has had a computer in her room for a couple of years now. She has a MacBook now, and it goes everywhere with her. I had a keylogger on her computer until about 4 months ago when she got her MB.

I don't think age has anything to do with it. It's like driving, dating, anything else like that. You have to judge the maturity level of that particular child, and make decisions according to that and situations.

[Chundles]

Obviously depends on the age and the level of responsibility of the child - some kids are just good kids, others are little bastards.

I had a computer in my room for the last couple of years of High School when I needed it for the boat loads of essays I had to write but back then there was no such thing as broadband internet so it was offline - just used it for a bit of gaming but mainly homework as it was pretty old.

It's all relative - I don't think there's a unified solution for the issue.

[Sun Baked]

Better porn in the bedroom than wads of tissue in the living room. :p

[Foxtrot Oscar]

As long as they don't turn in to a dribbling WOW player, I'd have no problems, but then my boy is only 4.5 years old.

A few years to go, but I would imagine he'll have his own mac before he's finished primary school at around 12 years old, He already has computer lessons at kindie.

Fox

[Abstract]

Better porn in the bedroom than wads of tissue in the living room. :p

It's hard to get out of carpet. Lets just leave it at that.

[Gray-Wolf]

I would require it to be in the family room, if I had kids, until they prove they are mature and responsible with it. Course I would still check up on them from time to time. And if the trust is found broken, back to the family room for good. With pedophiles today, I wouldn't take ANY chances. :rolleyes:

[jonbravo77]

My step-son has had a computer in his room since he was 11. He plays on-line games. Being 14 now he uses MySpace alot and on-line games. We keep tabs on him but he is a great kid, gets good grades and I told him he gets a virus on his computer from porn I am not fixing it. :D Tired of fixing my own computer :eek:

[ipodtouchy333]

I've had a computer in my room for awhile now (I'm 17.) I also have a TV so I guess I am pretty lucky.... So, of course, I don't think there is anything wrong with it ;)

[fireshot91]

I'm 14 and I've had a computer in my room since....February of this year. My parents don't really monitor my stuff, but they trust me to be responsible and not watch porn. I don't watch porn.

[Solemony]

My parents let me have the computer all to myself as they trust me :) and they don't even use it at all.

[yoyo5280]

I have always had basic content blocking stuff. nothing as hardcore as keyloggers

age 10-12 the computer was in my room

but then my parents took it out and put it in living room. They just say they wont let any teenage in their house have a computer in their room.

it usually doesnt make much difference for me but i do miss
a) Having my stuff, and my stuff only on my desk. I am very picky about my setup. When it was in my room, on the desk was only the mini and the screen with the mouse keyboard printer speakers cleverly hidden away. now the desk is cluttered with everybodys junk

b)having what I want plugged in. Also when it was in my room, i could neatly have my camcorder and midi keyboard plugged in and cleverely stowed away. now theres no where to hide it :s and mom doesnt like all the techy stuff

c) peace. when editing videos or doing homework, it was nice to have peace and be away from the family.


I know, i abused the system by using the computer too much. Im conquering an addiction, and doing it pretty well if you ask me :p

[ipodtouchy333]

It's hard to get out of carpet. Lets just leave it at that.

O, ew. I'm gonna pretend I never read that, lol.

[7on]

Only if he/she built the computer

[NT1440]

Only if he/she built the computer

Lol wow thats actually a great idea!

I hope my kids (later in life, im 17) will share the same interest in technology I do.

[Melrose]

I think it would be a balance between the age and responsibility of the child in question. Under 18, no.. regardless.

[NT1440]

I think it would be a balance between the age and responsibility of the child in question. Under 18, no.. regardless.

Doesn't that make them an adult???



Also, Id have no problem if my kid wants to use a computer, though id have to be confident they were responsible and know how to stay safe online.

As for porn....well honestly after their 15/16, i wouldnt care, we are sexual creatures anyway.

[furcalchick]

if there was only one computer in the house, it would be in the living room and put under strict time limits. if i had the luxury for the kids to have a computer in their own room, i'll just have some internet restrictions, but other than that, i'm fine after about 14-15 for them to have a computer in their room to do homework, etc.

i had a computer in my room starting halfway through my junior year of high school, but it had no internet (not because of parent's restrictions) until senior year. i used the living room computer alot though because it was the only one with internet for a while and it had the better programs.

[comictimes]

I used the money I made during my summer job to get a laptop at the beginning of my sophomore year of high school (when I was 15). It was exclusively my computer, and that worked out perfectly fine. Up until then I used the family computer, and that was fine too. Of course, my parents have always been considerably more trusting than I feel a lot of parents are, and I've worked to continue to deserve their trust, even now that I'm at college (and have been for several years). Keeping good relations with your parents just makes life much easier and more enjoyable.

[Cassie]

Gosh, I've had at least one computer in my room at all times since I was 6 or so, I guess. And once my hobby of collecting older computers took off, the number instantly exploded. (There are about 25 computers in my room/closet at the moment.:o)

When I have kids, I don't think I'll have a problem with letting them have a computer at around 5 or 6 years of age. Maybe they can have my iBook.:p

[jamesarm97]

Yes, only because it is a mac and I have parental controls / timers / blocking enabled plus it goes through my linux server running dansguardian content / keyword / rating blocker.

- James

[Schtumple]

My first computer was an amstrad something something, that ran Windows 3.1, badly... I loved it though, used to play Zak McKracken and the Alien Mind Benders, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and some racing game that alludes me, that scarily had better AI than most modern racing games...

Moved to a proper PC in 2001 ish. Always had a PC in my room.

[scottkifnw]

I let my son have at it with parental controls. He still managed to get by it and got into porn and viewed other sites that were violent, and dumb (like the movie "Jackass"). He started at age 14, and by the time he was 15, I had to put him in a residential program. He is addicted to porn, and where it would have gone from there I can only imagine. He has been gone for 18 months and someone else is raising my son, and for a hefty penny.

I would put the computer in a central location, and constantly check on the child. Otherwise, your kid could wind up in Utah with my kid. That is if predators don't get him first.

sek

[NT1440]

I let my son have at it with parental controls. He still managed to get by it and got into porn and viewed other sites that were violent, and dumb (like the movie "Jackass"). He started at age 14, and by the time he was 15, I had to put him in a residential program. He is addicted to porn, and where it would have gone from there I can only imagine. He has been gone for 18 months and someone else is raising my son, and for a hefty penny.

I would put the computer in a central location, and constantly check on the child. Otherwise, your kid could wind up in Utah with my kid. That is if predators don't get him first.

sek

um.

Alright I'm not really sure how to phrase this, but im sure theres got to be more to the story, otherwise....

You sent your son away for being a teenager?

[Schtumple]

um.

Alright I'm not really sure how to phrase this, but im sure theres got to be more to the story, otherwise....

You sent your son away for being a teenager?

Exactly what I was thinking...

[NT1440]

Exactly what I was thinking...

I think that may be one of the first times we've agreed on something...


is this the end of days???:eek:

[Schtumple]

I think that may be one of the first times we've agreed on something...


is this the end of days???:eek:

I do believe so, the predictions of 2012 were incorrect it seems, they were only 3 and a bit years out, bless those mayans, so close.

[NT1440]

I do believe so, the predictions of 2012 were incorrect it seems, they were only 3 and a bit years out, bless those mayans, so close.

pretty damn impressive without a mac to figure it out for them ;):p

[Schtumple]

pretty damn impressive without a mac to figure it out for them ;):p

True, I wonder if they used Windows 3.1, I mean, it is practically that archaic :p

[NT1440]

True, I wonder if they used Windows 3.1, I mean, it is practically that archaic :p

I LOL'ed:p



We've found an ancient drawing in one of their temples. It depicts a godlike figure, bald with some sort of lens like object over his eyes. Right underneath is a symbol we havent managed to decipher yet: :apple:

Any ideas?

[XnavxeMiyyep]

My dad gave me his old Mac IIci when I was in middle school (12 years old?). I had a dial-up line that I could get online with occasionally. Then I eventually got an iMac G3, and about a year after that, I found a watch on the beach, sold it, and got an MDD Powermac G4. (Also we got broadband somewhere during that time)

Somehow, despite having had a computer with internet in my room from middle school and all throughout high school (and now in college, but that's a different story), and being the admin of said computer, I managed to turn out perfectly fine.

Anyway, back on topic. Yes, I would.


Also, scottkifnw, there has to be some other reason why you sent your kid away, besides disapproving of his internet activities.

[jessica.]

15 and under no is a good rule of thumb. Anything older yea. I think I'd just rather keep a close on eye them.

[ucfgrad93]

For my family the answer is no. My teenage daughter doesn't have a computer in her room.

[pscoble]

As I have my own computer, I would have to say yes I would allow them to have their own computer in their room assuming they are trustworthy and responsible. As long as they are smart about things I don't see a problem with it. If they are mature enough/smart enough they will know not to talk to "predators" or anything along those lines. It also makes a lot of things a lot easier in my opinion such as homework or listening to music with speakers. Of course this is just by today's standards by the time I will have kids I doubt there will be much of an option it will just be natural with the way technology is going. Another way to judge this is if they can come up with the money mostly by themselves. If they can do that then in my opinion they computer is completely theirs to do with what they please. Again, assuming they are not complete morons.

[dukebound85]

you young whipper snappers. my family didnt even have a color screen computer or one with internet until i was 16

i got my own once i headed for college and have had my own ever since

as far as age, id say5 years old

however as far as internet access, id say not until they are off to college or if they decide to chip in for the internet

this ipod touch thing though doesnt help with the internet restrictions i would imagine lol

[zachplaysguitar]

I've had one in my room since I was 16.

[mickbab]

family computer is in my room (im 15). been in here since we got our first computer (we now have a 20" iMac).

[plinden]

No. I don't even let myself have a computer in our bedroom ... well, ok, the wife has a major say in that, but I agree with her.

No TV, no computer in the bedroom, no matter what age. The bedroom's for sleeping, or a quiet read away from the rest of the family.

We have one TV, in the living room, and all our computers are in the office/spare room. If any of us needs quiet time to do some computer work, the door's closed, but any of us can go in if we need to use one of the computers.

When my girls are old enough to have their own laptops (I'm sure I'll buy them MacBooks at some point) we'll let them take the laptops into the bedroom, but we'll insist they leave them in the office at night.

[iJesus]

I've had my own computer since I was twelve.

Honestly, I've looked at porn. The idea isn't that exciting.
Kids will be kids.

One of the reasons I'm scared of being a parent is the idea that my kids might be just like me. (even though I happen to think of myself as a pretty intellectual person, the prospect of them having the same thought process is scary).

[quotemeas]

I would allow my child a computer of their own (desktop), but would monitor the network and thus, his or her network traffic using OpenDNS.org (http://www.opendns.org). This is a great service to prevent adult material, phishing, etc. and keep tabs on the sites he or she had visited (plus it is free).

[neonblue2]

My first computer was the old family Performa 580CD. This was before WiFi and broadband in my house, so no internet. All I used to do was play the few games I had, mostly educational and puzzle games. I used to play Wolfenstein 3D as well and made a whole tonne of maps. I mostly played my Nintendo 64 and GameCube though. G and G8+ rated games only but that was my own choice (I was about ten and the next age recommendation was M15+).

After graduating from primary school in 2003 my grandpa gave me his old laptop. It wasn't until a year later that I was able to use the internet on it. Even so I had to be near the family iMac to use the ethernet cable. Still just playing games.

Then in 2005 I bought a PowerBook and the family got WiFi and a less restrictive broadband plan (500MB to 10GB).

*BLAHBLAHBLAH*

Now I have a MacBook Pro and I very rarely use it in my room unless I'm hooked up to my external drive.

That said, I have seen some pretty freaky stuff my parents' definitely wouldn't approve of. I don't approve of them either. Porn is pron is pr0n.

[dmr727]

I would NEVER allow a teen in my computer's room.

[toolbox]

I had a computer in my room since i was 12, it ran dos 4 lol then a 386 with windows 3.1

My parents didn't mind me having a computer in my room i guess it was because i didn't have the internet in there at the time. That was on our other system in the family room where they could keep a eye on what was happening. Now i pay for the internet so it's wirelessly done all through the house.

if i had chidren, they can have computers in there room, but dansguardian will be setup.

[és:]

Yeah, a teen with a computer is alright as long as access is controlled.

[iCantwait]

why did the topic turn to porn? was porn mentioned in the original question?

Neways, having a computer in my room was the worst thing for school, i was up wayyyyyy to late so i was constantly tired, then i would do computer instead of study. finally i decided to move it to another room which REALLY helped.

and on the issue of porn, EVERY kid will find a way to porn, let them do it. only get concerned if its like rape porn. soft core ftw.:p well im 18btw:D

[edesignuk]

why did the topic turn to porn? was porn mentioned in the original question?Probably because the automatic assumption as to why you might not let a "child" have a computer in their room is because of the things they might access which the parent would rather they didn't - namely porn and other supposed tasteless material.

[Dagless]

After 16, yes.

I didn't have my own computer till I was 16, my cousin had a refurb IBM laptop and I had just started at college. I don't think I would have been able to get one before then but I was quite responsible for my age. I did have an Amiga from a very young age (about 4 or so) but that was for drawing, writing and playing games.
Now my brother is 19 and still not allowed one. Purely because he'd spend all day looking for porn and it'd fall to me or my dad to fix it and we're already quite busy people.

I was okay playing computer games in the study (which has always had at least 2 PCs there), but since games are getting more immersive I'd probably let my kids have a PC from 5 or so onwards, just without an internet connection till they were 16.

[yoppie]

I don't have any kids but I would allow them to have a computer in their own room once they've reached high school age. My parents trusted me with a computer in my room and I like to think I acted responsible with it.

[nick9191]

If they pay for it they can have what the **** they like.

[ZiggyPastorius]

I let my son have at it with parental controls. He still managed to get by it and got into porn and viewed other sites that were violent, and dumb (like the movie "Jackass"). He started at age 14, and by the time he was 15, I had to put him in a residential program. He is addicted to porn, and where it would have gone from there I can only imagine. He has been gone for 18 months and someone else is raising my son, and for a hefty penny.

I would put the computer in a central location, and constantly check on the child. Otherwise, your kid could wind up in Utah with my kid. That is if predators don't get him first.

sek

My mom first gave me a computer at around thirteen, I've watched viewed porn online since then, seen both the jackass movies, number two a few times, have never been in a residential program, and am still salutatorian, and going to college in the upcoming year. Was your point that porn and jackass make kids bad?

[yoyo5280]

I let my son have at it with parental controls. He still managed to get by it and got into porn and viewed other sites that were violent, and dumb (like the movie "Jackass"). He started at age 14, and by the time he was 15, I had to put him in a residential program. He is addicted to porn, and where it would have gone from there I can only imagine. He has been gone for 18 months and someone else is raising my son, and for a hefty penny.

I would put the computer in a central location, and constantly check on the child. Otherwise, your kid could wind up in Utah with my kid. That is if predators don't get him first.

sek
All of my friends have seen jackass, I have seen clips. Its funny but sometimes im like :s

id prefer to not go into the other thing ;) im being watched here :eek:

Maybe he was overly addicted, but i thats gotta be like always and only think about it addiction (beyond the typical teenage immature jokes made 12 /5)

im also guessing there was more problems

[Abstract]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (SymbianOS/9.4; U; Series60/5.0 Nokia5800d-1/10.0.010; Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 ) AppleWebKit/413 (KHTML, like Gecko) Safari/413)

To be honest, I didn't have one in my room until I was 19 and went off to uni. However, it's probably common in my age group, since I didn't grow up in a time where computers could be bought for $400 or so. Most families that had a computer only had a single machine in the home. However, if it was more common to have more computers in the home at the time, my parents had no problem with it. I don't think i have a problem with it either. Looking at porn doesn't make you a bad person. I'd be more afraid of sexual predators, and other types of dangers.

[LeahM]

Without internet access, yes. With internet access, no.

I figure, if they hide it from you, then its probably not good what they are doing.

If I ever had kids, I would be a strict parent, and I think thats what kids need nowadays is boundaries.

[sangosimo]

It's hard to get out of carpet. Lets just leave it at that.

the kitchen has hardwood. :D

[Melrose]

Doesn't that make them an adult???

not trying to b funny - but what's the question there?

Whether they look up Porn or not - if they were my kids I my house they would obey house rules. Porn, pedophiles, etc etc. I wouldn't want endanger my children - whether they be naive or go looking for it of their own free will..

Call me old fashioned or strict.

[XnavxeMiyyep]

I don't get why everyone is so frightened of pedophiles on the internet. They cannot reach you through a computer. Are you worried about pedophiles when your kids go outside?

[liquidtrend]

i built my 386 when i was in my preteens. i had a computer in my room all throughout my highschool years.

if all your child is going to do is get on facebook or myspace and upload pictures, or look at porn. then they shouldnt even have a computer at that age. they can easily use a family unit.

if the son is interested in using a computer for higher learning..then i would definatly allow my child to have on in their room.

i learned how to use photoshop and illustrator when i was in 6th grade, with version 3 if i remember correctly. i wouldnt have been able to learn as much as i have learned on my own if i was busy trying to set up "computer time".

to some of us the computer is a vital piece of our every day lives.
to others...its not.

[Abstract]

Call me old fashioned or strict.

Old fashioned and strict.


Think of all the dangerous websites that are out there that may harm you in some way, and yet you manage.

[No1451]

I'd let them, my parents let me as well, but same with my parents:

The kid only gets what she/he pays for. If they pay for a computer, tv, xbox, whatever, they can have it so long as they obey basic rules(no illegal activities), porn, whatever, that's a personal choice(and I'd rather the child do it in their room than in the family room).


As for the pedophile argument....I honestly think WoW is more dangerous than sexual deviants, I was in grade 12 the year WoW came out, we had 4 people drop out WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF RELEASE(and yes, they all played).

[sangosimo]

if all your child is going to do is get on facebook or myspace and upload pictures, or look at porn. then they shouldnt even have a computer at that age. they can easily use a family unit.

this sums it up perfectly imo.

[iToaster]

If, for some reason, I ever have kids I'd let them keep a computer in their rooms provided that they saved up their money and bought it themselves... should be around the right age (14-15). That's pretty much what I did, though my father provided "me" (it was really a family machine) with a cheap HP computer around the age of 10, that went to my mother when he got me a cheap Dell for my 13th birthday. Needless to say, both were pretty bad, good thing Apple saved me from what would have become computer hate.

[notjustjay]

I'm not a parent so I live in the fantasy world of "when I have a kid, I'm going to do it right!" I would say no, for a variety of reasons.

Unsupervised access to inappropriate material is one reason.

Temptation to use the computer, period, is another (even for legitimate purposes -- how often have you found yourself up at 3:00am because you were surfing or watching a movie or gaming and lost all track of time?). I *still* struggle with this, and I intentionally moved my computers out of the bedroom so I could be more inclined to actually get sleep.

Artificial separation from family members would be another. I don't need to give them extra reasons to lock themselves in their rooms, separated and not communicating with their parents.

Here's an enlightening, but creepy, exercise. Visit some of the webcam streaming sites, like ustream.com, blogtv.com, etc. Click on the "who's on live now" links, and page through them. How many little boys and little girls do you see, broadcasting themselves to the internet? For even more fun, click into one of those streams and watch what sort of comments they're getting from their viewers.

[Flynnstone]

No.
Been there done that.
One kid had a TV another had a computer. They used to hole up with the door closed.
Never saw them. Removed them from their rooms to public places.
Much better, in my opinion.

[SLC Flyfishing]

No way,

I'd never allow that, just more headaches than I need. I've got two kids, both too young to use the computer, but when they need/want to use it for something they can use mine.

There are a whole load of reasons I don't think it's a good idea. There are plenty of things online I'd rather them not get involved with, and a computer is just one more thing that steals from quality time with family. When I was in highschool, my parents got our first computer (an IBM aptiva IIRC w/ a pentium 150 processor and like 32 MB of RAM), it was in the family room next to the TV so if you used it you at lease were in the same room with someone else. Now I'm married and long since moved out, but my youngest siblings are still living with my mother and they are constantly on the laptops or text messaging with friends and god knows who else. They get all cranky when I ask them about it, and none of them will let me use their cell-phones, so I'm assuming that there's something going on that they don't want us to know about.

Either way, their is a big disconnect in todays teenagers, they live through their electronic devices. I think we are just seeing the beginning of this trend and I expect it to get worse. I'd like to avoid it in my children as much as possible.

SLC

[leekohler]

If I had a kid, yeah probably. But there would be serious parental controls and strict rules about the amount of time spent on the computer. There would also be a rule regarding extra-curricular activities at school. They would be required to be doing at least one extra-curricular activity. My parents forced me to do that, and it was the best thing they ever did. I got involved in tons of things after that.

[notjustjay]

When I was in highschool, my parents got our first computer (an IBM aptiva IIRC w/ a pentium 150 processor and like 32 MB of RAM), it was in the family room next to the TV so if you used it you at lease were in the same room with someone else.

Exactly. A computer in the shared living space is an opportunity to have fun together as a family. Research an article on Wikipedia together. (Edit an article together, when they get older!) Laugh at silly YouTube videos. Play games together. Even instant-message friends and family together with them.

There are times when kids expect privacy, and they deserve that. But the computer shouldn't be one of them.

But there would be serious parental controls and strict rules about the amount of time spent on the computer. There would also be a rule regarding extra-curricular activities at school.

Perhaps it is naive of me, but I would hope that we could foster that culture in a positive way without the need for "strict rules". For example, my parents never gave me a curfew, and I was thus never tempted to break one and never punished for doing so, because I was able to judge for myself what I should and shouldn't be doing with my friends late into the night. They knew they could trust me to make the right decisions.

I'd rather teach common sense and self-discipline rather than force a blind adherence to strict rules.

[Much Ado]

Porn isn't the issue, it's becoming a hermit and not ever leaving your room that's the problem.

[yoyo5280]

Porn isn't the issue, it's becoming a hermit and not ever leaving your room that's the problem.

You said it right there!

[leekohler]

Perhaps it is naive of me, but I would hope that we could foster that culture in a positive way without the need for "strict rules". For example, my parents never gave me a curfew, and I was thus never tempted to break one and never punished for doing so, because I was able to judge for myself what I should and shouldn't be doing with my friends late into the night. They knew they could trust me to make the right decisions.

I'd rather teach common sense and self-discipline rather than force a blind adherence to strict rules.

It depends on the kid. If my parents hadn't forced me out of the house, I never would have left.

Porn isn't the issue, it's becoming a hermit and not ever leaving your room that's the problem.

Exactly.

[minijon]

I'm 17. MacBook Pro sits in my laptop bag or on my desk in my room.
I pretty much do all the tech-admin stuff for the household though (except pay the ISP bill,) so if anyone would set up any monitoring software, it would have to be me. The rest of the family uses Windows machines... and what do you know... I have to deal with it.

As far as monitoring goes... eh... not much of anything. And really, I don't think their needs to be.

[Abstract]

Perhaps it is naive of me, but I would hope that we could foster that culture in a positive way without the need for "strict rules". For example, my parents never gave me a curfew, and I was thus never tempted to break one and never punished for doing so, because I was able to judge for myself what I should and shouldn't be doing with my friends late into the night. They knew they could trust me to make the right decisions.

I'd rather teach common sense and self-discipline rather than force a blind adherence to strict rules.

Ditto.

I've never had a curfew in my life. Hell, I used to travel really really far (for an 11 or 12 year old...) by bus and train to the busiest parts of Toronto (downtown). Most parents would NEVER have let their kids do that without an adult present. I never did this alone though. My parents let me do it as long as my friend and I never split up and walk around alone. I was 11 or 12 when I started doing this with 2 or 3 of my other friends. It was always a really exciting thing for us to do (in 1992). We used to go down to HMV, look at all the CDs, and pick one out to buy. They didn't sell games and DVDs at the time, so it was allllll music. :cool:

Come to think of it, that was pretty risky. I don't think I'd let my kid do that until they turned 14, even though I turned out OK and didn't get into trouble.

[Alt10]

Yes, **** happends and your teenager has to know about the world...
I had a computer before internet existed, so for me that helped me understand computers. Now a days there is so much to find online and "wrong stuff" (porn, executions, other sick vid's) happends, so i think i would let my teenager see for him self what the world is like.

Imo the question should be, would you have your teen have internet in their room.

Not that i want kids though :P

[Melrose]

Yes, **** happends and your teenager has to know about the world...

You don't have to experience bad stuff in order to know it exists. A lot depends on the common sense of the child and his ability to appreciate responsible behaviour.

I think a computer should be kept in a 'public' spot in the house. Even Dear Abby would agree with that one.

[Alt10]

You don't have to experience bad stuff in order to know it exists. A lot depends on the common sense of the child and his ability to appreciate responsible behaviour.

I think a computer should be kept in a 'public' spot in the house. Even Dear Abby would agree with that one.

As seen of the teen's point of view, it can be embarissing if parents see what there surfing about. And if it's there computer, it's there property.
Maybe i was to cynical last post, but it's not only the bad stuff. I just think it's a teen's right to find truth (whatever that is :confused:), without having to worry about what other people think about him/her (in this case parents).
Don't forget teen's go through some difficult hormone stuff and life questions and still worry about what other people think about him/her.

[EricNau]

I'm not a parent, but if I were, my largest concern would be my child connecting with strangers online. As far as online threats are concerned, I feel this is the most likely to provide a real danger to a child.

For this reason, I would allow my teen to maintain their own computer in their room, but if I found a reason not to trust them, I might block social networking sites (namely myspace) and limit their IM conversations to buddies only.

As seen of the teen's point of view, it can be embarissing if parents see what there surfing about. And if it's there computer, it's there property.
Maybe i was to cynical last post, but it's not only the bad stuff. I just think it's a teen's right to find truth (whatever that is :confused:), without having to worry about what other people think about him/her (in this case parents).
Don't forget teen's go through some difficult hormone stuff and life questions and still worry about what other people think about him/her.
I think you have a genuine point. For teens who may be struggling with a personal issue, the internet can provide lifesaving resources, which the teen may not seek if they can't do so in a private area. Although, even if the computer was located in a family area, a teen could most likely still access the net privately when home alone (unless the parents over-zealously disable access when they're not home).

However, the internet could also cost an irresponsible teen their life, and it's a parent's job to ensure that their child's foolishness isn't fatal.

It's a double edge sword, to be sure.

[LeahM]

As seen of the teen's point of view, it can be embarissing if parents see what there surfing about. And if it's there computer, it's there property.
Maybe i was to cynical last post, but it's not only the bad stuff. I just think it's a teen's right to find truth (whatever that is :confused:), without having to worry about what other people think about him/her (in this case parents).
Don't forget teen's go through some difficult hormone stuff and life questions and still worry about what other people think about him/her.

Unless they also pay rent I think they need to follow by their parents. Its the parents job to monitor and protect the kid.

[Alt10]

Unless they also pay rent I think they need to follow by their parents. Its the parents job to monitor and protect the kid.

You gave birth to the child, so you should be thankfull to him/her. He/she never asked to be born.
But you can't always monitor your kids, once they go out to party, they come in contact with alcohol (and maybe other types of drugs, I know i have :D)
As for computer wise, i really think you're holding them back, if they can't surf privately. And i still think they should know about the (virtual) world. Even if that means porn, atleast they know where the market is...
If your eductation before there teen's isn't good (Norm's and Value's), then there doomed in there teen's, imo. (Doomed is exadurated, just more difficult, i think?)

(I'm very aware of my "strange" life phylosophy, and that some people find it disturbing)

[cleanup]

Better porn in the bedroom than wads of tissue in the living room. :p

TIMOTHY! STOP MASTURBATING IN THE FAMILY ROOM! FOR ****'S SAKE! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA :mad:

[notjustjay]

As seen of the teen's point of view, it can be embarissing if parents see what there surfing about.

And my point was: it shouldn't be. I could see being embarrassed if a child is caught doing something wrong, like viewing illicit material. But everything else should be a comfortable and open atmosphere.

If my boss shows up at my cubicle and sees me with a random browser window open, I instinctively feel a little embarrassed, because I've just been caught doing non-work-related activities. At my company that's allowed, so I'm not in any trouble, but I still feel a little uncomfortable. But everything else, I'm perfectly comfortable showing him what I've been working on. That's how it should be with your kids.

[iParis]

I'm 16 and have had a computer and TV in my room for quite some time.
I probably would, especially if the computer was his/hers and I trusted him/her.

[doubleohseven]

I'm 15 and I use my MacBook in my bedroom occasionally. In fact, I use my MacBook anywhere around the house since it's portable, and we have a wireless network. If I had kids, I'd let them use a computer in their room, providing that parental controls and time limits are enabled.

[yg17]

the kitchen has hardwood. :D

So does the kid looking at porn :D


I don't have kids, but I'd probably be OK with it. Hell, I've had a computer in my room with internet since I was 13, and I've seen just about everything there is to see on the internet and I'm normal. I think that with proper parenting, a child will turn out fine even if they see a pair of knockers

[ibook30]

Echoing other reasonable voices- it depends on the kid.
Eventually they will probably see something that makes you cringe, but a good child can understand the world is a weird place.

[Hawkeye411]

My kids each have a computer in their room but they are not connected to the Internet.

[wronski]

If I didn't have free reign over computer and internet access since childhood I wouldn't be where I am today professionally and it's entirely likely I would never have discovered the passions, interests, hobbies, and so on I have toady. In other words, I had no limits and turned out better than most will ever be. If you have any bit of common sense, even as a 10 year old, I don't see how having full computer and internet access is in any way a risk to anything; it's a normal thing as much a part of daily life today as using a refrigerator. Limiting or controlling access would just cause the type of curiosity that could cause rebellion. My take.

[Montie Da Champ]

if i have a girl i'm going to be a very strict parent, and if i have a boy, idc wtf he does w/ his computer. he wants to watch porn, i don't care. he'll know not to go to chat rooms and pick up chicks and stuff but i mean i'll let him experiment with what he wants. me begging for a computer at age 13 was probably the best decision i've ever made for myself, and the freedom my parents gave me with it allowed me to open myself up to so much. i learned how to design graphics with photoshop, how to design web pages, how to make money with the internet, use ebay, and tons more. naughty things with computers are just something to do when bored. my kid won't be to the point where he needs to look at it extremely often. you're a pathetic parent if they got addicted to porn.

[scottkifnw]

My mom first gave me a computer at around thirteen, I've watched viewed porn online since then, seen both the jackass movies, number two a few times, have never been in a residential program, and am still salutatorian, and going to college in the upcoming year. Was your point that porn and jackass make kids bad?

Congratulations to you! You are doing great, and your parents should be very proud of you (no sarcasm). I want to clarify some things:

1. No my son had other issues, like poor school performance and others.
2. He violated trust time and again, and to be honest, the web offers great temptations, that an immature person isn't ready to handle.
3. Some of Jackass stunts were funny, but I always worry that some bonehead will try some of them and wind up injured.
4. My greatest concern is about online predators.

sek

[dukebound85]

Congratulations to you! You are doing great, and your parents should be very proud of you (no sarcasm). I want to clarify some things:

1. No my son had other issues, like poor school performance and others.
2. He violated trust time and again, and to be honest, the web offers great temptations, that an immature person isn't ready to handle.
3. Some of Jackass stunts were funny, but I always worry that some bonehead will try some of them and wind up injured.
4. My greatest concern is about online predators.

sek

i believe that is the greatest fear concerning the internet and minors for parents

if i have a girl i'm going to be a very strict parent, and if i have a boy, idc wtf he does w/ his computer. he wants to watch porn, i don't care..

why the different attitudes based on gender? im curious

[scottkifnw]

My dad gave me his old Mac IIci when I was in middle school (12 years old?). I had a dial-up line that I could get online with occasionally. Then I eventually got an iMac G3, and about a year after that, I found a watch on the beach, sold it, and got an MDD Powermac G4. (Also we got broadband somewhere during that time)

Somehow, despite having had a computer with internet in my room from middle school and all throughout high school (and now in college, but that's a different story), and being the admin of said computer, I managed to turn out perfectly fine.

Anyway, back on topic. Yes, I would.


Also, scottkifnw, there has to be some other reason why you sent your kid away, besides disapproving of his internet activities.

Yes of course, but this would not be the forum to blather about all kinds of crap.

[scottkifnw]

Probably because the automatic assumption as to why you might not let a "child" have a computer in their room is because of the things they might access which the parent would rather they didn't - namely porn and other supposed tasteless material.

When you become a parent, you want the best for your kid, and when the kid gets into bad stuff, believe me it hurts.

Although porn, and predators come to mind, don't forget the case just tried in CA about the girl who committed suicide from harassment. Other concerns would be suicide pacts, planning violence, illicit drug & alcohol parties, the possibilities are endless.

The bottom line is that unless the child is legally emancipated, he is the responsibility of the parent until 18. Living with limits is what all people have to do, not just the "child". The child doesn't have a "right" to a computer or internet access.

[iCantwait]

If they pay for it they can have what the **** they like.

hookers?

[edesignuk]

hookers?Especially hookers.

[MowingDevil]

As long as they don't turn in to a dribbling WOW player, I'd have no problems, but then my boy is only 4.5 years old.

A few years to go, but I would imagine he'll have his own mac before he's finished primary school at around 12 years old, He already has computer lessons at kindie.

Fox

Wow, I dunno....preschool seems to young for computers imo. Elementary school sure but kindie should be about playing and the basics. Just my opinion.

I wouldn't allow a computer or TV in my kid's room; totally unnecessary. Parents are smart to keep it out in the common areas.

[ipodtouchy333]

Maybe I'm just lucky to have a computer in my room. My parents don't really care about it too much I guess.....

[XnavxeMiyyep]

I was thinking, maybe up through elementary school, my hypothetical kid would only be allowed to have some sort of *NIX machine with no GUI. Once s/he becomes the master of the command line, s/he will be given the privelege of OSX/Linux/Windows/whatever.

[OutThere]

I've had my own computer in my own space for 9 years (since I was 11 in sixth grade)...all I cared about back in the day was AIM (where some creepy people IM'd me and I learned to use the block feature) and stupid flash games I played while I was supposed to be doing my homework. :p

[zioxide]

TIMOTHY! STOP MASTURBATING IN THE FAMILY ROOM! FOR ****'S SAKE! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA :mad:

Your username makes that post.

[Shotgun OS]

I'm 18 and I've had a computer in my room since I was 15. My parents have trusted me enough, and I don't think there's anything really harmful on the internet to someone with the right upbringing and common sense.

[ChrisA]

I'm 18 and I've had a computer in my room since I was 15. My parents have trusted me enough, and I don't think there's anything really harmful on the internet to someone with the right upbringing and common sense.


It depends on the kid and the age. Some kids are responsible and others aren't. Age maters too. "tTeen" is only a few years but what a difference between a 13 year old middle school student and an 18 year old high school senior.

My son is 17. I can't think of anything that could actually harm a kid that could come down an Internet connection. I think his skateboard is 100X more dangerous.

My daughter is 10 years old. She uses a computer downstairs where we can watch but so far she seems to be pretty smart about it

That said. I've programmed my wireless router to shut off the Iternet after a certain time at night, Otherwise they don't get up in time for school in the morning. Also, Iknow a little more then the kids do about networks (I've worked in the business for 25+ years) and keep DNS and proxy logfiles. So far nothing stupid is in the logs.

[emt1]

15 and under no.

16 and up I have no problem.

Do you have some sort of evidence or research that suggests that the day a person turns 16 they develop a new mental/emotional maturity which would make you feel comfortable with them having a computer in their room?

[yoyo5280]

Do you have some sort of evidence or research that suggests that the day a person turns 16 they develop a new mental/emotional maturity which would make you feel comfortable with them having a computer in their room?

perhaps its the same evidence saying people drive at 16 in the U.S...:cool:

[emt1]

perhaps its the same evidence saying people drive at 16 in the U.S...:cool:

Maybe. 16 year olds drive WAY better than 15 year olds.

[NC MacGuy]

Computer, yes. Internet, absolutely not. Especially w. an iSight. Hard enough to monitor my kid with computer in open area.

[iObama]

I've had one in my room since I was 10.

Judging from what I saw on my computer when I was younger, there's NO way I'm letting my kid have a computer with internet in their room!

[yoyo5280]

I've had one in my room since I was 10.

Judging from what I saw on my computer when I was younger, there's NO way I'm letting my kid have a computer with internet in their room!

Im curious...

[me_94501]

I had it in my room when I was a teen though I was pretty responsible. Also, since we had dialup in those days and the phone jack was in another room, I had to string a phone cable to the computer, so needless to say my mom knew when I was online. :p

So I guess it would depend on how responsible the kid is.

[mynameisraj]

I've had a computer in my room since I was 11.

At first my mom didn't want me with it when I went to bed because she thought I couldn't get any sleep - but I was cool with that and she eventually let me use it in my room.

Then, after I got my macbook, my mom tried to pull the same thing on me, but I pretty much told her I'd paid $1300 for this machine and if I can't use it in my room at night, what else am I gonna do because I go to bed late.

I've never had a keylogger, blocker, or any monitoring software and I've done a few bad things, but gotten rid of 'em. I'm 14 now and I see no point anymore in doing stupid crap on the computer - so now when I'm bored I read my RSS feeds.

If I had kids, I'd let them have a computer with them in their room. Well raised and well guided kids know what to do when faced with a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable.

[LeahM]

So when the majority of you get slapped with a lawsuit for your kids illegally downloading music, what are you going to do then? Parents are responsible until the kid is, 16? Or am I totally off base?

and I just think that if the kid isn't comfortable asking a parent, or googling certain information in front of the parent then there's a problem with the relationship. Plus, not everything you learn off of the internet is true.

[edesignuk]

Im curious...You honestly need it spelt out?

Porn (doy), {reference removed}, {reference removed}, {reference removed}, etc etc.

The internet is full of "undesirable" crud, but it also has a wealth of information, and encourages socialising, blah blah.

There's a million options to give your kid internet in their room but have some control over what exactly they're doing. OpenDNS, Safe Eyes to name a couple.

[yoyo5280]

So before dinner my parents told me that im too tech savvy, tahts why I can't have the computer in my room.

After dinner (when we were talking about a news story about a Pakistani girl passing those micropoop engineering test thingys) that I should start doing useful stuff on the computer and try coding for the iPhone (downloading sdk now)

Strange how that works out....That being said, I wouldn't mind making 10k in day like iFart did :p

I guess they don't know about the more creative stuff I do.

[Schtumple]

yoyo5280, are your parents creative themselves?
If not that can be a big hindrance.

[yoyo5280]

yoyo5280, are your parents creative themselves?
If not that can be a big hindrance.

My dad is like some software engineer (or something) of C.A.D software (when mom complains about apple software, my dad says " you should try ours! it makes you turn gray like me!")

Mom has done art, physiology, and owned an interior design business before we moved to Japan.

So i'd say they are...to a certain extent.

[Mr. Giver '94]

I'm 14 and I have had a computer in my room since...I guess since I was about 6 (Dad has always been really big into having the latest and greatest technology wise). I've switched rooms and houses a few times though. My parents trust me to use the computer for good purposes only. I would say that I am more mature than most boys my age, so I hope my parents can count on me to do the right thing based on morals. I do not watch porn, btw.....I figured that was implied but I thought I'd make it clear. :apple:

[Mr. Giver '94]

So when the majority of you get slapped with a lawsuit for your kids illegally downloading music, what are you going to do then? Parents are responsible until the kid is, 16? Or am I totally off base?


LOL Not downloading music illegally or sharing it illegally is the reason my library is so small. Granted, I've spent about 3-4 thousand $$ on all of my stuff from iTunes (video included) and CD's but I'd rather pay than get into trouble later or risk corrupting my files with all of the junk software.

[yoyo5280]

I' I do not watch porn, btw.....I figured that was implied but I thought I'd make it clear. :apple:

Fair enough...but if you say you have never seen it, then I go HOLY CRAP!

[bruinsrme]

My son has had a TV, PS2, hacked Xbox, Xbox360, phone, cell phone, computer, laptop and other gadgets in his room since he was a freshman in high school.

For the most part he used them responsibly and when he didn't they not just one but all were taken away.

I was much stricter when it came to usage than my wife. I never had a problem cutting power cords, network cables, cable tv cables, restricting his wireless connection, pull a hard drive and so on. Yeah I was a dick at times but it he always understood there why he lost things.

his grades was his performance reviews, the better his grades the more privs/toys he had, the worse his grades were the less he was given.
He lost privs to the home theater and his toys his senior year in high school.

I related his grades to real world. If your performance at work is poor your raise is zero, if mediocre you get a average raise, outstanding performance bigger raies. No usage (no extra cash to do things), limited usage (some extra cash), and unrestricted usage (lots of cash to spend).

He is a spoiled kid, mostly my doing, but he earns what he has. On the flip he earns what he lost.

I feel kids can have whatever in their rooms as long as there is a concrete agreement/policy . Write up a contract with the kids and include what happens if the contract is broken.
Base it on a life experience/lesson not a parental punishment.

So you may ask why I cut cords.
Everything in his room was designed for that, cables were made longer so when he earned items back all I would have to do is put a new connector on, hard drives were made removable, game consoles power and cables are quick disconnect, tv with the cable input cut is useless. Plus it is a heck of a lot easier dealing with cables than carrying a tv and other things up and down stairs.

[chilipie]

So you may ask why I cut cords.
Everything in his room was designed for that, cables were made longer so when he earned items back all I would have to do is put a new connector on, hard drives were made removable, game consoles power and cables are quick disconnect, tv with the cable input cut is useless. Plus it is a heck of a lot easier dealing with cables than carrying a tv and other things up and down stairs.

Instead of cutting the ends off, why not just unplug and remove the cables? :confused:

[bruinsrme]

Instead of cutting the ends off, why not just unplug and remove the cables? :confused:

Good question, its the connector feeding the backplane not the user end.

[jlewis2k1]

if I had a kid, I would let them have their computer in their room. However, I would have a OS X server that they log into just so I can monitor what they are doing. If they are becoming vicious kids talking about killing someone I would just lock their account while they throw a temper tantrum.

[jabrowntx]

Both of my kids have had computers in their rooms before they were teenagers. Sure, there have been some tough times and I ended-up having to put-up a Linux server with some content filtering to keep my daughter off of some inappropriate sites (for her age at the time) and because their computers had USB wi-fi adapters, I was able to just unplug the adapter and take if from them for awhile if things got too out of hand. Never really had any problems with my son, but then again, my daughter has always been the rebel.

[bruinsrme]

if I had a kid, I would let them have their computer in their room. However, I would have a OS X server that they log into just so I can monitor what they are doing. If they are becoming vicious kids talking about killing someone I would just lock their account while they throw a temper tantrum.

I was monitoring my son's full activity on a PC network.
There are some very good programs far cheaper than what a lawyer charges for an hour if their time.

you can monitor every keystroke, passwords, emails, IMs, websites, downloads and so on. You can also limit logon times, websites, and many other cool things. It got real boring looking at the logs of what they talk to their friends about.

[viccles]

I've had a computer in my room most of my life. No parent controls, nothing. I was trusted to use it wisely and I always did. Wasn't interested in anything naughty :o

[zelmo]

Depends on the kid. My daughter had a Mac in her room when she was 13, but we didn't provide her with an internet connection. All of her surfing was done on the Mac in the family room. We got her a MacBook w/Airport card when she graduated high school.

[bruinsrme]

I've had a computer in my room most of my life. No parent controls, nothing. I was trusted to use it wisely and I always did. Wasn't interested in anything naughty :o

My son was downloading loading tons of nude pictures of women.

Then he would draw them.

He has won a couple of Art awards and is now attending an Art school for media art and animation.

[yoyo5280]

My son was downloading loading tons of nude pictures of women.

Then he would draw them.

He has won a couple of Art awards and is now attending an Art school for media art and animation.

Haha, funny I was just reading an article on some of the best innovations pr0n has given us!