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Computer in the bedroom
I love seeing these comments and I think parents are right on! Keeping an Internet-enabled computer out of the bedroom is the best way to keep kids safe.
That said, as kids get older, things begin to change. Laptops, cell phones and other Internet-enabled devices are likely to find their way into your child's bedroom on occasion. Even if you don't have WiFi in your home, a child may be able to access open networks in your neighborhood. Middle and high school students do research on the computer and may want to bring the family laptop to the desk they work on in their bedroom. Older kids might also access a computer if it's kept in YOUR bedroom or a guest room that is out of a main traffic area of the home.
Keeping the Internet - whether it's a computer or an iTouch - out of a child's bedroom is a great place to start. But staying on top of the situation is important. It's a good idea to begin thinking ahead about some boundaries to establish as children get older and talk to parents of older children to see what is working - and what isn't. : )
Stay plugged in!
Sharon
Sharon Miller Cindrich
The Plugged In Parent
www.pluggedinparent.com
No way! We weren't allowed
No way! We weren't allowed to have tv's or computers in our bedrooms growing up. It makes sense not just for safety reasons with the internet, but simply for the fact that these are too stimulating for a child getting ready to sleep. I won't even allow a computer or tv in our bedroom. It belongs in an office or down on the main floor where it can be monitored.
No Tech bedrooms
I would not allow my child to have a computer, a television or video games in their bedroom. Experts all say if you want your child not to be exposed to Internet problems, keep the computer where you can see it such as the family room. Also the same with television and many video games. It is proven that families who isolate their children with technology end up with children who feel isolated from their parents.
Susan Smigielski Acker
No computers in their rooms
I wouldn't allow this at any age, although my kids are still young (6 and almost 9) so the brunt of this debate still lies ahead of us. I'm picturing our computer staying in our living room, where the kids don't feel like they can close the door and go off on all kinds of Web sites that have nothing to do with learning, homework or simple fun and games. Yes, I know there are blocking systems you can put in place and history checks you can do, but I don't trust myself to stay technologically saavy enough to be one step ahead of my kids. I would argue against televisions in their rooms too. As sleep experts have told me, bedrooms should be places you go to unwind and rest, not entertainment centers.
Alison Johnson
same for us
Same for us Alison, no TVs or computers in their rooms, and my oldest begs! We have two TVs so in the case of the family being divided on what we watch, they can split up if need be. The computer is in a family room and they're liable to get the parent over the shoulder at any time. Their rooms are for play, reading and sleeping - the only technology in there is an alarm clock and their radio.
Michelle Galvez, Community Editor