Our house is filled with electronic stuff. I love my laptop, my husband has one too. Both boys have computers ... But how long should we be spending on them? I heard on the radio today that children were spending far too long on screens and that those under 3 years old shouldn't even be watching tv, never mind spending hours on computers. So ... what to do??
My sons' laptops have security on and at the moment I am monitoring their usage. There is the facility to be able to lock the computer automatically after a certain amount of time. I think I may use that facility soon.
At the moment both boys are barred from using the X Box during the week, but they do go on their laptops. They also need their computers for homework.They live in a different age to that in which I grew up and using a computer is a relaxing pastime to them. And me actually. They have only had the capability of using their laptops in their rooms for 2 weeks and I am monitoring which sites they visit, how long they are on them. But they do seem to be becoming more and more obsessed. This is not a good thing. I have always been against having tv or computers in bedrooms - they are for sleeping in - and I feel that we have to be very careful as regards this sort of thing.
Its a balancing act between letting them use the devices, trusting them ... and doing what is healthy and sensible. I trust them both and at the end of the day ( sorry, hate that expression!) we have to have a trusting relationship.
They are very good compared to some of their peers and given the choice of being on Minecraft or going out to play football they would choose football every time. However, as the nights draw in and "Ugh its boring there's nothing to doooo!" the temptation of the computer grows ever greater.
So I think that I need to step in and apply a limit. I am going to allow a certain number of hours per week and then that's it, they can find other entertainment. I am also going to apply a lock so that after a certain time they are unable to use their devices. I really don't want them in their rooms at midnight watching God knows what...
Is this too 'Nanny State' ? Or am I just being sensible? What do you do with your children? Mine are 13 and 14. I would love to know your opinions!
My sons' laptops have security on and at the moment I am monitoring their usage. There is the facility to be able to lock the computer automatically after a certain amount of time. I think I may use that facility soon.
At the moment both boys are barred from using the X Box during the week, but they do go on their laptops. They also need their computers for homework.They live in a different age to that in which I grew up and using a computer is a relaxing pastime to them. And me actually. They have only had the capability of using their laptops in their rooms for 2 weeks and I am monitoring which sites they visit, how long they are on them. But they do seem to be becoming more and more obsessed. This is not a good thing. I have always been against having tv or computers in bedrooms - they are for sleeping in - and I feel that we have to be very careful as regards this sort of thing.
Its a balancing act between letting them use the devices, trusting them ... and doing what is healthy and sensible. I trust them both and at the end of the day ( sorry, hate that expression!) we have to have a trusting relationship.
They are very good compared to some of their peers and given the choice of being on Minecraft or going out to play football they would choose football every time. However, as the nights draw in and "Ugh its boring there's nothing to doooo!" the temptation of the computer grows ever greater.
So I think that I need to step in and apply a limit. I am going to allow a certain number of hours per week and then that's it, they can find other entertainment. I am also going to apply a lock so that after a certain time they are unable to use their devices. I really don't want them in their rooms at midnight watching God knows what...
Is this too 'Nanny State' ? Or am I just being sensible? What do you do with your children? Mine are 13 and 14. I would love to know your opinions!
