I have several computers in my room, partly because I build them and fix them as a hobby/job. Also, I set up my family's internet, so everything is pretty much in my control. I find it annoying when I'm in the "family room" on a computer and my mom constantly walks back and forth to see what I'm doing (she criticizes just about anything I do, and so it heavily impedes on my inspiration and freedom, and overall, just pisses me off that she can't trust me even after countless years of proven worth). I have achieved control of the digital world, and my well earned freedom. What I look at and what I want to see is totally up to me, not my parents, the way it should be.

I think that it would be okay for an older kid who is like 16, but not for elementary aged kids. There are many innappropriate sites a kid might stumble upon and it is better if the computer is in the living room or other well-used place.

i think that kids should have computers in their rooms but parents need to know they can trust their kids however do not invade their privacy it will make your child angry and hate you and it wont help anything anyway beacause when kids parents are around they wont do anything bad

My wife and I put our old computer in our daughter’s room. She is going to be 5 and the way I look at it, kids should know how to use a computer at a young age to prepare them for school. We plan to make use of parental blocks (for internet browsing) and have her play educational games on it. Even with the parental blocker she isn’t going to be using the computer unless my wife or I are in the room with her. I think if you monitor what your children are doing it shouldn’t be a problem. I don’t believe children should be sheltered either as this only builds their curiosity and can lead to much bigger problems down the road as well.

It is vital that parents know what kids are doing online. We have heard the stories from people we know about how kids found themselves in danger and/or trouble.

Please visit www.mynetshepherd.com

I believe that it's essential that parents be involved supervising their kids on the computer. Therefore computers should be located in a central location in the home, such as a family room.

I have a computer in my room and I don't do anything wrong. I use it for homework, as a DVD player, to read the news, etc.

Teach your child to do the right thing and it won't be a problem.

i've always had my own computer in my room, with internet access and everything. i'm not doing drugs or having sex. it's an important social tool.

all of my friends have their own computers as well.

Do your kids have computers in their rooms?

NO!

It is dangerous to no know what your children are doing on the internet. As an assignment in my senior seminar class at Chatham University, my group and I created an entire blog containing helpful information on internet safety and children. Please visit and comment! We want to know what you have learned and what you would like to know:

http://www.internetsafetychatham.blogspot.com/

As a computer consultant and a parent, I have opinions on this issue. I have had several clients who have their internet-accessible computer in a public space in their home. They incorrectly assumed that their kids wouldn't dare to surf porn or other inappropriate sites; they discovered that their kids did it late at night when everyone was asleep, while the parents were shopping, etc.

I recommend some type of filtering be used. I've had good luck with Cyber Sitter, and a colleague recommends Open DNS - just Google them for more info.

My 7 and 10 year olds only have radios/CD players in their rooms, and it will remain that way for a while - how long, I'm not sure yet!

In order to access our computer in the living room, a password must be entered by me or my wife - my kids can only get on the computer when we are present and allow them to.

My $.02.

there are many reasons i dont stay up late on the computer 1.I would be caught and dead 2.i dont have the energy to get up late and get on 3. ITS STUPID

i think it is wrong and right at the same time, because you could be looking up stuff your not suppose to and i think that kids that are mature enough to know that it is wrong and they should have the common sense to not do it.

ask your child for their password or something to get the computer un-locked

i personally think that parents are being stupid. They say, "There could be Predators out there!" Or, "Drug Dealers could find you!" Or something like that. The truth is, some of us, like me(I have the IQ of 140) are even smarter than most of you. We know a Predator when they ask us how old we are, followed by where we live. We aren't dumb, and you shouldn't treat us like it. Give us MORE FREEDOM!

I have a computer in my room and I have no parental controls or anything. But then again I don't go hideout in my room and search inappropriate videos and stuff. I mainly use my computer for homework and checking email. Every now and again I'll go to one of my bookmarked websites and...hey, guess what?! CommonSense is a new bookmark!

In no way is it essential for kids to have computers in their rooms. And I would be quite concerned about a child having his/her own computer that is kept "locked" from parents! If a computer is deemed necessary for a child to completely focus on schoolwork, then internet access should definitely be prevented. But it would be much better to provide a quiet study atmosphere than to give in and purchase a computer for a child.

The computer in the kid's room is essential these days, my siblings (8 year age difference) need the internet for school and the family room is often too loud for any work.

I think it's fine as long as it doesn't have Internet connection. Keep the internet-connected computer in the living room.
I had my own computer when I was little and played games on it like the Oregon Trail and MathBlasters (I miss the 90's!)

My daughter rarely uses the computer, and when she does it's often school related. However, I've got a search engine filter that removes content believed by the filter creator to be inappropriate for under 18s, and it's my laptop which she knows should stay in the living room.

i have a laptop which i use in my room (i am posting this at 11:30 P.M but i stay up much later) even when i did use the family computer the office door was closed and if i didn't want my parents to know where i was i'd delete the history i have no parental controls on my laptop and i have it locked so only i can get on

Note: slamx is an adult contributor, well past the age of 12.

Having the computer in a central location allows it to spark discussions on everything from what my kids and their friends are up to (AIM), to fashion (what's appropriate for a 12 year old to wear), to the biggies: sex, drugs, and alcohol.There is no way (even with filters) to completely avoid all objectionable material.But what a great opportunity to bring up topics that relate to online content.
Besides, isolating in your room with a computer (or TV or game console) discourages healthy sociability and is especially bad for kids with depression or poor relations with parents.

Coming from a teen:

You're right I have had "struggles" scince I got online but thats because I was sucked into todays world thats when I talked with god. If you're thinking about this at least get a parental control software.

Would you let your kids roam the streets in the middle of the night? No way! The World Wide Web is an outlet to ALL that is in the world, both good and bad. Letting children have the internet behind a closed door is like letting them roam the world without any supervision.

Not in my house. The internet can be used by anyone, but as the parent, it is my job to monitor what goes on in my teen and pre-teen's world. If you can't say it infront of your mom, it shouldn't be made public. And anything written down can't be taken back. Also anything written down and sent into cyber-space can be altered