Well, he's 13. And he wants a laptop. He just went to Middle School-7th Grade. He says he gets alot of homework. But we already have a computer. But he says he needs his privacy and that he is old enough. I know I can trust him, he is an "A" student, behaves and is kind to his siblings. But laptops are expensive. He is willing to pay $100-200, though. Should I let him have a laptop? And if yes, can you suggest some good quality yet under $800. Thanks.
2006-07-01 14:58:49 · 23 answers · asked by Nick B. 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
He's 13. What does he need privacy for if he isn't doing anything wrong? I have to wonder what he has to hide. I think at 13, a kid's online activities should be supervised. On top of that, I think buying a 13 year old kid a laptop is a huge unecessary expense. What's wrong with the computer you have?
2006-07-01 15:02:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Another tough decision. There are perfectly legitimate reasons why a 7th grader would want privacy, but there are so many influences on a child this age that you can never be aware of no matter how good a parent you are. As a grade 7 teacher, I've seen so many concerned, involved parents trust children who otherwise seem trustworthy, but who are pressured into things they know better than to be involved in.
However, he has a point. And the need for privacy at that age is very strong. Not that long ago, relative to how long we've been around, a person that age would be setting out on their own, establishing their own lives.
Get him one, but have a frank talk with him about how much faith you are putting in him.
Check out Dell. They have small laptops for $500 with rebate, and you can pay for it monthly, no interest until 2007.
2006-07-01 15:10:25 · answer #2 · answered by tianjingabi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it may be worthwhile to give him his own desktop computer. My kids all have them (11 and up).
But I think a laptop is not necessary. They cost a lot more than desktop computers, are typically slower and cost a lot more to upgrade and are harder to service by an amateur. Technology is always changing and it seems a waste of money to pay for mobility a jr high school student does not need. (at his age he is likely not even responsible enough for you to want him to take it out of the house)
So...I'd get him his own PC, but hold off on a laptop until he graduates high school. At that point, a laptop is almost a necessity for college students, who need both the mobility AND the space saving attribute of a portable computer.
And even with trustworthy kids, taking a peek at what he's been doing is a good idea. All my kids have been good though and deserving of the trust (I did log them for awhile). Mine range from 11-17.
You can get a decent desktop under $500 easy.
2006-07-01 15:02:37 · answer #3 · answered by Lori A 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone's already mentioned the negative possibilities, so i'll throw in some positive ones. My dad gave me an older laptop he'd gotten for free, no internet, and the USB hookups busted, but my folks are divorced, and when I have long-term school projects, it's nice to have all the info in one place. As for privacy... unless your son is planning on keeping a journal on there (I do) he doesn't need any privacy and the family computer is fine. 1 more thing, if he has multiple siblings, it might be a good idea for when big projects start coming and he and a bro/sis both have projects due.
2006-07-01 15:17:31 · answer #4 · answered by Training Chick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would question just what kind of privacy does he need that he is not getting on the family computer. Laptops should be used for school assignments only and there is no reason for privacy when writing a report,making a powerpoint, etc.
Privacy to me would equate to talking to friends on chat lines,etc.
that has nothing to do with needing a laptop for academic purposes. Many states are now offering laptops in seventh and eighth grade. The laptops are provided during the school day and they are given adequate time to complete their work in school for those children who are not fortunate enough to have any computer at home. Schools can not require children to have computer assignments without providing them with the computer and the time to complete it at school.
2006-07-01 17:00:00 · answer #5 · answered by heartwhisperer2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think he can use the family computer for another couple of years, save the Laptop for Highschool. Keep in mind that if you give him a laptop when he gets into Highschool that all the kids that come after him will expect one too!
A laptop that isn't connected to the internet is fine for him to do homework in his room but if he is online at ANY time I would make sure there was parental supervision.
2006-07-01 15:02:15 · answer #6 · answered by Jennifer B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go t a pawn store to get one! I have seen brand new ones there! I think he is def old enough. But I wouldnt like the privacy thing. However, Do you know how to check the sites he has been to? If so than let him have it. Check the sites he has been to. Does he know how to erase them yet??? Put a small firewall into place so that there are some sites and categories he cant search. Its easy to do. Most providers will even walk you through doing this! Hope this helps good luck as he becomes more individualized!
2006-07-01 15:03:08 · answer #7 · answered by kristenbeiza 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My friend's 14 year old brother got a laptop for Christmas (even though they have a home computer). I happen to know that all he uses it for is to look at porn and chat with girls. The family computer is fine for doing homework on, and if that's all your son plans on using the laptop for, why the need for privacy?
2006-07-01 15:02:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! It can only help him in the long run. We are in the computer age and having a computer will open the gate way to higher education. Of course you might run into problems when he start to go on to porn sites and stuff, but that should not stop you from allowing him to have a personal computer. Porn is EVERYWHERE, and it is good parental guidance that can shield him for such stuff. Rent him a laptop and see what he do with it. Then allow him to use his allowance to pay for his own.
2006-07-01 15:05:39 · answer #9 · answered by Inquisit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think he's old enough for a laptop,seeing that he gets good grades in school (Kudos to you!). Although laptops are expensive, just think of it as a good investment.
Hewlett-Packard has very good,resonably priced laptops. There are some Office Supply stores,that will give you the Internet for free,with a purchase of one.
(PS) I'm very proud of your son!. Keep up the good work!
2006-07-01 15:21:54 · answer #10 · answered by Squeakers 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋