View Full Version : Should I get the internet?
I'm not very good at explaining myself
but here goes...
We are considering installing the internet at home
We worry about our children
as they get older
My DD got a computer for her 4th birthday
from her uncle
She is very good at computers
and is learning a lot at school
She knows how to navigate the programs
and has shown me much with it
I have heard some horror stories about children and the net
The other concern is, I will get addicted if i/m not already
At the moment I am using my mum's internet
I was discussing it with my mum
who is probably sick of me coming to her house
when she is at work,
and she thinks it might be worth getting a laptop
so the kids can't access the net without me.
What is your opinion?
Nickster
17-05-2006, 08:11
I would get it without hesitation - it's a fantastic learning tool if used appropriately. :thumbsup:
As for your concerns, I think that if the computer was kept out in the living area, where you could not only easily see what your DD was doing, but also provide an opportunity for family interaction, then you might feel a little easier about doing this - kids shut away in their rooms on computers is pretty antisocial IMO.
Perhaps you could also consider getting a program like "Net Nanny" installed to ease your fears about predators?
Spewiesmum
17-05-2006, 08:15
you'll probably find as your kids get older that school assignments will involve use of the internet. Even in the classroom they'll use it more and more. It has just become such a useful medium and something you kind of just need to know how to access. How to create Powerpoint presentations is something children are learning in primary school. In some high schools students have their own email addresses and complete assessment in class that involves emailing work to the teacher.
If you are worried about keeping your kids safe talk to staff in a computer store (Harvey Norman or elsewhere) to see what you can do. With Windows XP you can create different accounts so you can control what your kids do on the computer. There are bound to be a range of products available for internet security.
If you are worried about becomming addicted to the internet only sign up for a certain amount of MB each month.
Sad but true - I can not imagine not having access to the internet. Take away the TV, radio, newspapers, my mobile - but don't stop me Googling!:D
Why would the kids not be able to access the internet on a laptop?
Just turn the dial up or broadband to off when your not using it that way they can't even get on. You can block certain websites and monitor them. Keep the computer in a family room.
you'll only become addicted if you allow yourself to ;)
I think having the internet at home is fantastic, I would go for it. For older kids, it is a fantastic research tool.
With respect to kids. My ds is 7 and uses the internet at home but he only uses google to search something like science facts or ABC kids. We have our computer connected in our living area. I can always see what he is accessing. I think supervision is the key. I can't see that we would let him have the internet anytime soon in his room. I too am paranoid about chat rooms, I stick to message boards.
We have a 30 min time limit and I prefer him to do educational software and play chess on the computer rather than the internet. But like you say, kids are exposed to the internet at school and are much more computer literate than we are.
If you get addicted, get your DH to take the internet cable to work with him;)
Why would the kids not be able to access the internet on a laptop?
Just turn the dial up or broadband to off when your not using it that way they can't even get on. You can block certain websites and monitor them. Keep the computer in a family room.
you'll only become addicted if you allow yourself to ;)
That is true
and i will allow as i already have
it is useful
With a laptop
it would be mine
and i would put it away
so my DD could still use her own computer
Don't you think it is about time I was up with the times
and got my own computer?
munchkin05
17-05-2006, 10:02
we have 2 computers in the house one is dp and mine the other is for dss1 they sit next to each other in the lounge room so we can still see what hes doing
we also set the rule that he is allowed 2 hrs a night on the comp but he has to make sure his chores and that are done first and he also has to be off by 9pm (we had the thing that he decided that he was going to start his 2hrs at 9pm)
this is working so far for us
we've got 4 all hooked to the net, DS#1&2 have their own, mines a shared one, then we have DH laptop
My kids go on the internet alot, they love it. They arent into the chat stuff, and they know not to give out person details etc.
DS#1 (14) used to have a computer with the internet in his room, but we never saw him LOL, so brang it into the lounge next to mine.
He has messenger and has a couple of school mates on it, but hardly turns it on. DS#2 (10) doesnt like messenger. He just plays neopets online, or um, ah, cant remember it.
Mostly the kids play through the network on shoot 'em ups.
the elder three boys use google alot for playstation cheats LOL
the twins use the internet for online games too, but need help typing it in, but they know all about it. (they're 5)
My daughter likes to navigate so i could imagine her getting
into everything
that is the worry
Do you think I should get a laptop?
personally I dont like laptops, but its up to you. You can always password the computer, so if it gets turned on, they still cant use it unless they know the password.
My twins get into everything, and that, but they have never messed up anything, or nothing that couldnt be fixed, they know more about the damn computer than me, and if they do mess something up, they also know how to fix it now. And they cant even read LOL
My girl is the same.
I get annoyed and she comes over
quickly fixed!..
She knows how to read though
Harlequin
17-05-2006, 13:51
If you do get a laptop and have a husband dont let him sit with it on his lap for hours on end. I think it can cause infertility and apparently people suffer burns that way! I read about some guy who burned his willy with a laptop. :eek:
If you do get a laptop and have a husband dont let him sit with it on his lap for hours on end. I think it can cause infertility and apparently people suffer burns that way! I read about some guy who burned his willy with a laptop. :eek:
OUCH!:(
:(
munchkin05
17-05-2006, 15:42
If you do get a laptop and have a husband dont let him sit with it on his lap for hours on end. I think it can cause infertility and apparently people suffer burns that way! I read about some guy who burned his willy with a laptop.
never heard of that
poor guy :(
Harlequin
17-05-2006, 18:45
Yeah it was in an online version of a newspaper. Iirc they were bad burns too!
Mister Noodle
17-05-2006, 19:09
Laptops are stupidly expensive, for what you get.
$2000 will get you a fairly mediocre laptop. Pour the same amount of money into a desktop machine, and you'll have some *seriously* flashy hardware.
Repair / spares costs are similar - they can charge whatever they want, because there's no standards, and thus no competition. They also suffer from heat buildup problems, the keyboards are a pain to use for long periods...
Unless you have a serious need for portability, I'd really recommend against laptops for home use.
As for giving children access to the net - I agree with the others here. Leave the internet access in the living room, don't rely on net nanny thingies.
Personally, I'd recommend against even installing netnanny or other filtering software. They're notoriously bad at their job - both blocking perfectly valid content and allowing an imazingly horrible things. I mean, just look at the swear filter on this site. They're about that intelligent, and about that useful in the long run.
Also, for any kid over the age of about seven, they're a neon flashing sign saying "SUBVERT ME". They're a blatant challenge, they inspire vast curiosity about all the things you don't want them to see, and they send a very unsubtle message to your kids that you don't trust them. (trust me, that's how they see it)
Leave the computer in the living room, so you can simply keep half an eye on them while they're online - much more effective, much better socially, and sends a much better message.
Unless you have a serious need for portability, I'd really recommend against laptops for home use.
I have serious need for portability...not to mention space.
I have a router...wireless....heck I could even email in the loo if I wanted to.
Harlequin
17-05-2006, 19:20
Personally, I'd recommend against even installing netnanny or other filtering software. They're notoriously bad at their job - both blocking perfectly valid content and allowing an imazingly horrible things. I mean, just look at the swear filter on this site. They're about that intelligent, and about that useful in the long run.
Aren't they notoriously difficult to uninstall as well? I remember hearing something along those lines. Oh and some of them are affiliated with religious organizations and gather information as you surf? I remember reading something like that. Hehe.
I agree with everything you wrote about laptops. Gimme a pc anyday. :)
i agree with what many others have said
definantly do it
keep the computer in the family room so they can be supervised on it at all times
Laptops are stupidly expensive, for what you get.
Also, for any kid over the age of about seven, they're a neon flashing sign saying "SUBVERT ME". They're a blatant challenge, they inspire vast curiosity about all the things you don't want them to see, and they send a very unsubtle message to your kids that you don't trust them. (trust me, that's how they see it)
Leave the computer in the living room, so you can simply keep half an eye on them while they're online - much more effective, much better socially, and sends a much better message.
Thx for the info and advice everybody.
I will have a chat to my bro and will start saving.
One more question-
How big is your hard drive?
My girl's computer has limited memory.
I doubt it would be able to handle the internet.....
most new computers come out with 40gig hard drives (or bigger)
and a 17 inch monitor
as for graphic cards, depends on what sort of games you intend to play, an on-board one might sufice, which you can upgrade later if need be.
You want at least 256meg ram, preferably 512, just helps programs run/load faster and smoother.
thx Alannah'smum!
I will have to go shopping
might make some more sense now so thx
What do you think is the best (for value and service)
internet provider?
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