How old should a child be to own a laptop computer?

1. 87

   Sunshyne1975posted 15 years ago

   How old should a child be to own a laptop computer?
   
   My stepson turned 10 today and his grandparents on his mothers side bought him a very expensive laptop computer. I think he is too young for a laptop. What do you think?

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2. 61

   ohfudgeposted 15 years ago

   It depends on how responsible he is. I'm not sure you can be to young for a laptop..when he is 12 years old and up is when you need to start worrying about what hes doing on it.. Also, it should be a combined decision between you and the other parent involved.

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3. 59

   saddlerider1posted 15 years ago

   I gave my youngest son his first laptop when he was 13 and now he is 16 and it was replaced with a better model and he is responsible with it, so I am satisfied. It also helps him with his school work and essays etc. etc. As long as a child is monitored by parents, I see that should should be an age restriction.

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4. 0

   WildIrisposted 15 years ago

   Expensive might not have been my choice since my kids seems to lose things.  I would not advise taking the laptop to school. I made the mistake of getting my then 15-year-old son the latest and greatest at the time--an iphone. The phone along with all of his clothes were stolen from the gym locker room within a month of getting the phone. His was the only locker broken into, so I figure someone knew he had this phone and they took it while he wasn't looking.
   
   10 might be a bit young, but it depends on what the computer can do. He could watch movies, do school assignments (wishful thinking on my part), or open a social account with myspace or facebook. There is also the possibility that the thing may sit unused for a few years until the boy turns 12.
   
   Personally, I 'd see to it that the 10-year-old spent time outside being a kid and not inside looking at a screen.

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