There is no universally applicable answer as to when you should buy a laptop for your child. It all depends on a couple of factors, such as your budget, the child’s comprehension ability and maturity level to use the gadget reliably, and your preference.
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A few parents choose to buy a laptop for their child as soon as they start going to school so that they can efficiently do the research online, while others opt for giving a laptop when their child grows somewhat older to use the device dutifully without control or supervision.
It is usually tough to determine the right age for when to get a laptop for your child. This is also because of the significant technological advancement, due to which parents, at times, feel bewildered. To avoid this confusion, this post aims to give you guidance on selecting the right time for buying a laptop for your child.
A laptop for your child – Under the age of 5
Wondering if you should buy a laptop for your child under the age of 5? Many parents struggle with the question of when to introduce technology into their child’s life. How young is too young for laptops?
When it comes to introducing laptops for this age group, the answer is “No”! Such a little kid does not need a device of his own. In fact, babies and toddlers must not have a screen in hand; rather, they need time with their parents and grandparents.
However, some kids of four or five years do use a device for playing games and learning about new concepts such as colours and the alphabet. However, this should be done strictly under the parent’s supervision. Still, they need not have their laptop; they can do so on their parent’s laptop.
A laptop for your child – Between ages of 5 and 9
Once your child starts going to primary school, using a notebook computer will definitely be more than just playing a game. These students need a notebook computer quite often for their classroom work and homework. However, it’s important to learn to set a screen time limit.
This age range is such that students are taught programming and researching online in the school itself. However, it is equally essential for the kids of this age group to spend time with people and play outdoor games. This will aid them in learning more about how to interact with others and inculcate social values.
Your child, if in this age group, should be given computer access at home. However, there is still no need to buy one exclusively for your child. As you need to supervise their tasks, it is wise to give access to a home device.
A laptop for your child – When aged 10
This is the age at which most kids have a laptop of their own. This is because of the existing school curriculum. Interestingly, many parents feel that a device shared at home is still preferable. If this is your preference too, see if you can work it out.
The increasing use of a laptop for school learning as well as for laptop-based extra activities makes it difficult to stick to a shared device! So, you may decide to buy a laptop for your child at the age of 10 and also opt for supervision and teach how to be safe online. On the bright side of things, the laptop doesn’t need powerful hardware. Your kid will do just fine with a laptop under $200.
Anyway, upon getting older, your child is surely going to need one. Still, it is worth thinking about whether they will be responsible enough to handle a laptop. If not, it is wise to wait until your child becomes responsible.
Once in secondary, you can definitely buy a laptop for your child, as now it becomes necessary to do so.
Bottom line…
Do you have a laptop-loving kid? If so, it can be hard to decide when the right time is to make the purchase. Ultimately, it depends on your child’s age and responsibility level. Once they reach an age where they understand how to use a laptop safely, respect your wishes concerning online safety, and can handle the responsibility of taking care of it, they may be ready for a laptop.
If you think your child is old enough, consider purchasing one and then setting up rules that they must adhere to in order to keep their laptop privileges safe. That way, your child can get the most out of this purchase while still living under a reasonable set of expectations. Good luck!
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