[noobie]

I am not trying to tell you how to raise your children of course but here my two cents.

I am 21 and growing up my parents also limited my siblings and I's computer time. They'd go as far as hiding the mouse or the power cords. I don't blame them BUT at the time (14-18) I used the computer to experiment with programming and it seems like my peers who did the same but had "unlimited" access to a computer had a great headstart.

So I think the time kids spend on the computer should factor in what they use it for. I'd secretly monitor their activity to determine that.

[davismwfl]

It is a fair point which is why I allow them to use it for research or learning without many limits.

But honestly even if they started programming and doing that type of activity I'd still pull the plug on them daily at some point. I did to my son until he hit around 16-17.

Everything in moderation is generally ok or neutral. Anything to excess almost always comes at a price not worth paying.

Just my opinion of course but a computer can't teach you to deal with adversity or people. Sure you can read about it but doing is always a better teacher.