Why buying your child a desktop computer is NOT a good idea

You may think you deserve Parent Of The Year for looking to buy your child a desktop computer for home use.

But allow me to let you in on a few trends in technology that you should be aware of before you rush in and rush out to buy the wrong sort of thing.

Whilst desktops were once all the rage, and considered more powerful than laptops or mobile devices, things have evolved considerably.

Sure, desktop computers and laptops are cheaper than they have ever been, but the fact is, it is likely that your child may never own a desktop computer, let alone a laptop computer at the rate of which technology is developing.

You see at schools around Australia, iPads and other mobile devices are being handed out as standard issue, and the doors of computer labs as we know it are closing for good.

Things are moving away from going to a set ‘computer class’ each week – rather technology is being integrated into every day life in the classroom. Just ask your child what they did at school this week and whether they used an iPad or mobile device at any point. If they did, ask them what they did on it. Their answers may surprise you.

With this in mind, as a parent, the best you can do is take a similar approach at home by purchasing a mobile device such as an iPad or other tablet, as opposed to a desktop or laptop computer.

Whilst some kids will be more interested in using technology than others, the great thing about iPads and mobile devices is they are driven by apps that are either free, or cheap and which are easy to upgrade and change. Apps range from interactive games to learning activities for every age group and even those with disabilities.

Whether your little one is into princesses or pirates, surfing or sewing, marine studies or maths, there is bound to be learning activities to put on the device that will appeal to the type of child you have, and their current ability level.

Another great benefit of purchasing a mobile device as opposed to a desktop or laptop computer is they are much easier to take with you i.e. in the car, on holiday or on other outings. Having said this, they should not of course become an electronic baby sitter, and you’ll have to keep an eye on the ratio of entertainment to educational activities your child is using the device for.

The best you can do as a parent is buy the right device and understand that you may need to upgrade in the future too. This is not after all a calculator that will last your child throughout high school, as was once the case. Embrace technology. Understand it is not going away and you will be supporting your child in their learning and love of technology.

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199 Comments

- - BellaB said
  - 08 Oct 2020
    7:26 pm
Chromebooks – small laptops – seem to be the go to these days.

- - mom19782016 said
  - 23 Mar 2019
    1:22 pm
We use a laptop for our finances at home and I prefer to write emails and check stuff on my laptop

- - mom81879 said
  - 11 Nov 2015
    7:55 am
I still prefer the desk top computer for home. We have it set up in a busy area of our house so I can keep an eye on what they’re doing. Laptops and iPads are too portable, too easy to be secretive

- - dannsbuild said
  - 22 Sep 2015
    10:15 pm
Right! Its very good knowledge to know! Thanks for sharing this article!

- - dannsbuild said
  - 22 Sep 2015
    9:27 pm
Really very good knowledge to know! Thanks for sharing this article!

- - eviejude said
  - 03 Apr 2015
    5:37 pm
Yes, it is unlikely that our daughter will need a desk top of her own. She uses an iPad at school now.

- - mom93821 said
  - 12 Jan 2015
    4:44 pm
Thanks for sharing this interesting article; interesting read.

- - mom94125 said
  - 04 Jan 2015
    10:29 pm
this is just moving with the times. we can’t hold onto everything from the past and we shouldn’t be afraid of moving forward either. get a desktop or laptop if you want, why not let the kids learn because it will help them to understand the next phase of technology better and then they will be able to say “when i was a kid, we only had laptops…..” lol

- - matildaspice said
  - 25 Nov 2014
    1:47 pm
Thanks for the article, it has great advice to consider.

- - mom92217 said
  - 17 Nov 2014
    10:36 pm
We don’t own one haven’t for five years

- - keeleynme said
  - 17 Nov 2014
    6:13 pm
Yes, my children have ipods. I don’t think they would have a need for an actual computer until highschool at least.

- - smart_ass said
  - 15 Oct 2014
    5:43 pm
interesting read

- - skbou said
  - 31 Jul 2014
    11:29 pm
I so much prefer a desktop, I actually have a tablet, & it’s plugged into my keyboard, mouse & monitor…. I supposed bought it so I could pick it up and move around the house with it… no. Technology is being superseded at an alarming rate, I can’t even imagine what will come next.

- - hayley91 said
  - 25 Jul 2014
    11:44 pm
I think the best thong for a child is to go outside and explore nature its beautiful embrass it. My girls are outside just about all day and they love it

- - mom71845 said
  - 20 Jul 2014
    7:52 pm
Good read. Very nice to know when making decisions about home computer use.

- - kazh said
  - 30 May 2014
    1:04 am
I haven’t used a desktop in years. They just seem so restrictive and space consuming now I don’t think I could buy one.
- ginoula5 replied
  
  14 Aug 2014 , 12:29 pm
  We got rid of an old desktop, huge difference space wise, can’t live without my laptop.
- - mom57522 said
  - 28 May 2014
    10:28 pm
Desk top? Who uses those?

- - catgrrl3 said
  - 23 May 2014
    5:46 pm
I do prefer the desk top computer, it is a lot easier to monitor, instead of being able to walk off with the laptop

- - christial said
  - 17 May 2014
    10:07 pm
In don’t think I’ve turned on a desktop computer in the last 3 years! Hardly remember those things existed in the home! Lol

- - Gracelow said
  - 12 May 2014
    8:41 pm
I don’t think any child spending too much time in front of a computer is a good thing