It is common thinking, even at the national level, to advocate only allowing computers in a common area of the home such as the kitchen or living room. Often times you will hear the bedroom as the worst place to put a child’s computer.

                      
My belief is unless you are going to sit in your child’s lap while they use the computer, this way of thinking does no good. I have had many parents tell me they keep an eye on their kids while they are using the computer. I offer to them, the next time they walk into the room, look to see if the child quickly closes a window or program. I have had numerous parents then come to me and ask what to do after they noticed this exact behavior.

 
I have had many cases where young girls and boys have developed inappropriate and or sexual relationships with teachers, coaches, neighbors etc., and these kids have all done their communicating right under their parents noses on computers or cell phones in common locations of the house. More often than not the parents are the last to know of the relationship, despite the child using the computer in a common location. Many times the relationship is discovered when the child tells a friend or it is discovered accidentally.  

 
This comes into play also when I speak to a parent that tells me their kids are not the type to fall prey to some of the issues I bring up. I too hope my kids are smart and savvy enough to not become involved with someone they meet over their computer/ cell phone. However, I have had several incidents that required my immediate intervention as a parent, to insure the safety of one of my kid’s friends. I discovered these issues only because I monitor my children. This has made me a believer of monitoring my children, not because I don’t trust them, but rather to ensure their friends have the same values as my children.

 Jeff Brown