Debi: What do you think of kids owning their own laptops?
Dustin: I think it makes them smarter. Keeps them informed. I know I get 100% of my news from the Internet. No need for newspaper or TV anymore. It also makes kids more technologically capable, which is great for jobs they may apply for in the future ... or start themselves.
Debi: I agree ... I love the socialization they do on the video chats, as long as they know they are being supervised.
Dustin: I also find that people who grow up using a computer are more likely to find how much of a resource powerhouse it is, unlike those who stumble upon using a computer for the first time later on in life, who just know how to use Facebook, and that's about it. Much better if you grow up understanding the computer, because by the time you're older, it makes life much easier.
Debi: I tell my kids that whatever is typed, it is out there for the world to see, don't abuse it, utilize it. They already have their homework and worksheets on the teachers websites posted so they don't have to carry books.
Nancy: Likes this conversation.
Eric: I agree completely with Dustin, but I would be sure to install some type of parental software that monitors their activity but let's them know they're being monitored. You don't want to spy on them, then you'll lose their trust.
Debi: Scare tactics are great
Dustin: Reminds me of the "if you pee in the pool, the water turns red so we know if you did or not" trick, haha.
Debi: Yes!! Still works for me ... not ME ... I mean my kids... LOL.
Debi: It's an easier play date, too ... no driving, they just tune into their friends and go on video chat, especially with the cost of gas now.
Debi: One downside - I did notice my daughter writing "u" instead of you on a report. I told her to type the whole word out so she doesn't continue to make those mistakes in school.
Dustin: I stopped using text talk when I was around 16, because when I started my business I had to be professional, so it rubbed off on me for simple typing in regular messages to friends, and now I'm the grammar police.
Georgette: I agree that laptops are a great tool for learning and I agree with Eric that there needs to be some kind of monitoring to keep our children out of danger from predators. I prefer that they can only communicate with friends/family. It's such a different world from when I grew up! Safety first.
Elizabeth: Computers including laptops should be kept in a "family area" and children shouldn't have Internet access w/o you there.
