SCM Discussion Forum

1. 

   anabetica
   Member

   At our last homeschool convention, David Quine made a really good point about technology:  he said it is used as a tool NOT as entertainment.  That has helped alot in our home.  My 14 yr daughter does not have a facebook page.  I used to have one, but I myself have a hard time managing my computer time so I stopped using FB.  My dd doesn't have a cellphone, though if she is babysitting, I will give her mine.  She emails with a few girls but all of it goes through my email, so I read it first and then let her know she got an email.  But she's never given me a cause for concern.  I like to check the emails first because sometimes the emails come with a link to a youtube video and I like to check the junk on the periphery of the videos if you know what I mean.

   I do know my daughter's friends very well, and for the most part they all have good character.  My daughter, so far, has proven trustworthy though she is not allowed on the computer by herself or she asks for permission first.  I do feel like they need to learn how to handle these things that are part of our culture, but with much supervision and only if there is no rebellion. 

   In our previous church, the girls at age 11 had all those things and were very into them and boys.  Now, at our current church, there is a great group of godly, normal girls who use these things but with the values I described earlier.  They are pretty responsible, very respectful of their parents, and have demonstrated good character.  I'm so grateful my daughter has these peers and examples.  We moved 2.5 hours to make it possible.  The Lord paved the way before us. 

   My point is, that the use of these "tools" really depends on your daughter's character and trustworthiness and on the character of the friends.  I would rather her learn in time to use it in your home, than to sneak it when away from you.  But it has to be earned.  Hope this helps!  Betty

   Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
2. 

   houseofchaos
   Member

   Good discussion, all.

   We have eight children, the oldest is twelve.  I agree with the view of technology being a useful tool, but not good as  entertainment.   Fortunately my husband is (mostly) with me on this one.  It hasn't always been this way. 

   We watch no television, but do view occasional educational movies, however no video or computer games, no Facebook or any other social networking that takes one away from proper involvement with real people.  Telephones are also used for brief communication.  Anything longer than five minutes should be put into a visit or a letter. We are a no cell phone house.  I grew up without one and feel I am better for it.  The computer is a useful tool also for all, but it doesn't replace researching from books, etc. 

   The rules are the same for all ages (parents too!)

   I agree with the concept that we need to be educated in using some necessary tools of technology wisely and well.  We will be looking at that as our children become older (yikes, that's soon!).  But some of today's technology will never have a place in our home.

   Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
3. 

   Bookworm
   Member

   One thing I want to reference in regard to Doug's points.  I think 12 is much too young for the responsibilities of self-policing on so much media.  BUT always remember the day is coming when our kids will be on their own, and not under our roof.  IF we have gradually given them freedom in our homes, we know that when they leave it, they will be more likely to use it responsibly.  On one of my college-bound lists, a listmember recently asked a question about her 18yo daughter, who had never been on a social networking site, and how she can teach her "all at once" how to manage this sort of thing before she heads off to college in August.  Now, THAT is a scary proposition.  I do hope that my kids have had some time of managed, supervised time on Facebook, time to see the benefits and the dangers, time to learn to manage their time, before they leave my home.  It seems better to me, in this instance, to learn to swim in the shallow waters with a lifeguard nearby than to be tossed into the ocean at 18 or whatever.  :-)  So I do plan on our kids having slowly increased freedoms and responsibilities as they progress through their teens.  Broken rules, however, would get the privileges speedily yanked here.  :-)

    

   Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
4. 

   missceegee
   Member

   I do agree with Doug, Betty, Robin & Michelle

   • that we need to teach our kids to become responsible with technology while under our roof and authority with a gradual increase in responsibility so that they aren't floundering in the deep end of the ocean when they leave our home. 
   • that 9 year olds don't get the same privileges as 12 year olds and 12 year olds don't get the privileges of 17 year olds who don't get the privileges of adults
   • I also agree that we should view it as a tool and not entertainment.

   As to Facebook and other networking sites, it's just of zero interest to both my husband and me. I spend enough time on the computer (too much, perhaps) without it and I would rather chat on the phone or in person anyway. E-mail and this forum are what I allow myself and it works for us. Text messaging is more cumbersome and expensive than I care for so I very rarely use it myself.

   E-mail for my daughter (9yo) was instituted to give her practice on her typing skills and is, as I mentioned, limited to relatives and one out of state friend and I have total access to it. 

   Anyway, this has been a great discussion!

   Blessings,

   Christie

   Posted 2 years ago # Report Post

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