Does Your Teen Have a Laptop? What Are Your Rules?
The article goes on to list the big scary things that can – and do – happen to kids online. Cyberbullying, sending naked pictures and talking to people they don’t know are big problems and need to be addressed. But what about the simple everyday problems that having a laptop without any limits can cause? Lack of sleep, not getting homework done and not going out to be active with friends are also problems that need to be addressed. Setting the rules and limits, being clear with your expectations and being fair and firm with your discipline is what makes potential problems like laptops easier to deal with regarding your teen.
I’ve published a parenting contract for laptop use. I hope it helps those who wish to set clear rules and limits with their teens who use laptops.
Asking the community: Do you feel these laptop issues are a part of a bigger problem with teens on the internet? If your teen has a laptop, how have you addressed these issues?
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Comments
We have a “Computers in open, well-travelled areas” (i.e. front room in our house) policy and laptops are no different. (My computer is there too.) It’s a non-issue in our home. It doesn’t matter who buys, who owns, etc. Rules are the same.
We have always been very strict with our children at first and given them privileges only when earned. After years of educating her and monitoring her computer use and never finding one thing inappropriate, we let our daughter choose a laptop for her room over a sweet 16 party. We still make her keep her door open and have the ability to monitor her keystrokes. She doesn’t abuse the privilege.
For those in need of a great parenting class, you should check out the Online Parenting Course. It is court-approved and really helped me become a better parent.