When should I get my child a laptop?

Question

My 9-year old child asked if he could have a laptop this morning. I don't know what to say. I've seen 9 year olds with laptops, but I think that's a little too old.
Should I give my child a laptop, or not? If not, at what age?

My child goes on the computer a lot, and he knows what sites not to go on.

Answer 1

I advocate EVERY child have access to a computer, BUT most 9 year olds do not have the maturity to keep track of 6 pounds and a thousand dollars worth of computer. If they set it down and look away for even a moment, youre going to be buying a new computer. Notebooks are for PORTABILITY. Notebook computers are very expensive compared to desktops and are not upgradeable like desktops are.

Most schools are not going to need or even want a child to bring a computer to elementary school. Certain private or charter schools may have advanced curriculum enough where they have required computers, but most up till high school will provide a desktop computer for use IN SCHOOL. They expect the child to have a computer at home. No elementary school I know of would recommend this.

A child should have a computer in every home. A child should have a notebook only when their parents have the income to be able to throw away a thousand dollars when the notebook is lost or stolen.

Answer 2

I was 17 before I even had a cell hpone and I did fine. If the kid has a laptop, they're just going to spend more time on it than with their family or friends. When I was given a laptop at 18 for a graduation present, my sister vocalized her opinion of how I holed myself up in my room.
And laptops aren't that cheap. If your 9-year-old isn't the gentlest of persons with his or her belongings, an expensive "toy" like a laptop might not be the best idea. Why does a child need a latop, ayways? Especially if there's another computer in the house. I just don't think that it's a good idea.
Possibly the child just saw you with your laptop, or another person with one, thought they were cool, and wants to be cool.

Answer 3

A nine year old does not need a laptop at all. For school work and occasional internet usage your child should be able to use the household desktop computer. 9 year olds generally do not use the computer enough to need their own laptop. Most children should not need a laptop until they reach high school. Occasionally some children may need one in 7th or 8th grade.

Answer 4

At 9 years old, I wouldn't give them their own computer, but allow them to use the Desktop first so that you can monitor their activity.

I would never "buy" a child a notebook, but would rather give them a hand-me-down to start with....it's cheaper and they can "beat it up" as much as they want.

A few years ago, I was working in a repair depot where a parent brought in a 17" Powerbook which at the time cost about $2,500+.

The mother bought her 10 year old a brand new 17" PowerBook because he got straight A's one year. The child apparently spilled soda all over it and fried the logic board, among other components. The repair bill cost escapes me but I remember she was kicking herself for buying it for him/her in the first place.

My nephew had to wait until he was a freshman in High School (13) before he got his own computer.

I set him up w/ a 15" Widescreen HP notebook that weighed 8lbs--the idea was to keep him from taking it out of the house as much as possible. It is still working fine and he appreciates it b/c he had to share the Desktop in my sister's house w/ his little brother for so long. Now that it is his very own, he takes very good care of it b/c he knows he will not get another one.

Answer 5

i suggest that you don't. laptops aren't really a necessity unless you're a college student. some college students will even opt for a desktop rather than a laptop. i'm a college student and i have never owned a laptop until now. if your child really wants one and you would like to buy one for your child, i suggest that you wait until he is at least in high school. don't spend money that does not have to be spent at the moment. best of wishes.

if you want to familiarize your child with computer technology, a desktop would be preferable.

Answer 6

Well yes and no. No because he may be at that age where he still needs to monitored on the internet and he cant yet type so he cant do anything dependently. However, it is a good idea because the earlier you get your children introduced to computers the mroe proficient they become with them in the future. And the future of jobs is computers. So it is yes and no. Weigh the options. Cost, ease of use for him, and what he really needs it for.

Answer 7

Looks like I'm in the minority...I say yes. If your going to spend the money on something why not make it something as great as a computer! obviously you want to monitor internet usage, but you can buy education games and teach them them how to use the office documents for school papers and stuff!

When I was 10, I have a computer in my room (my mom trusted me to do stuff on the interent that I wasn't suppost to)and I taught my self how to do math, type, and speak Spanish by playing computer games.

Answer 8

No, a child that young doesn't need a laptop. I'd suggest a desktop that is in an open area that you can monitor.