Here’s something to think about: Out of 1,001 parents polled, 42% of them leave their kids alone to go online over three hours a day. HP recently commissioned a study from Wakefield Research looking into some of the major concerns for parents of today’s tech-minded kids. This study – and the fact that the back-to-school season is now upon us – was the inspiration for another Microsoft-HP #WinChat this past Tuesday.
So, where I grew up in front of a TV as a child of the 70s, are the new baby-sitters your laptops, tablets and touch-screen computers? And if so, is it a better thing? Well, the quick takeaway from the talk is that tech can be a great interactive and educational tool if used properly – and parents are willing to take the time to monitor activity in smart, respectful ways.
Here are couple bits of the conversation that I spotted during this Tuesday’s lunchtime tweetfest.
HOW OFTEN IS THE PC VS A TV USED IN YOUR HOUSE?
SelfishMom @SelfishMom
I would. RT @Windows: Interestingly, 68% of people would rather give up their TV than their PC.
Mara Archie @bluecupcake416
@Windows PCs are used way more in My house
Jason Rocco @ThatGuyHugs
@windows Makes sense since you can watch pretty much everything on your PC.
Rick M. @JustSpecial2
I would easily give up my TV over my PC any time. I get soooooo much more entertainment, productivity and education from my PC
HOW ABOUT SOME ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH THE KID?
Tuesday @TuesdayGirl
@KristinaLibby @gizmogladstone Thats great for kids... so many school projects!
Shawn Hanlon @shanlon
Oh that Papercraft stuff looks nifty!
Jason Rocco @ThatGuyHugs
@HP Does the Envy come with Number Munchers? I used to love that game on the old Apple IIc!
Darren Gladstone @gizmogladstone
@thatguyhugs: PRO-TIP for ya. http://66.223.110.99/ for classics like Oregon Trail....and Number Munchers...in your browser!
Jason Rocco @ThatGuyHugs
@gizmogladstone Wow, mind blown! KaBoom! Thank you.
Bridget Patterson @phillycouponmom
@gizmogladstone i loved those games growing up as a kid. do you remember carman sandiego
Darren Gladstone @gizmogladstone
@phillycouponmom I do...but I don't know where in the world she is! ;p
LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE ENVY23 (AND WHY IT’S KID-READY)
@Windows The best reasons to buy an Envy 23? There are a bunch here: http://bit.ly/O7JiFG
Melissa Zieger @MelissaZieger
@KidManiaBlog: @windowsblog @HP You wouldn’t happen to have a photo of this @HP Envy? Here ya go: http://bit.ly/O7JiFG
Kid Mania @KidManiaBlog
@MelissaZieger @windowsblog @HP Thanks! Wow, that puppy's gorgeous! I can see why @HP named it Envy…
Darren Gladstone @gizmogladstone
I remember showing the Envy 23 to someone recently and this kid asks: "Are you guys making HDTVs now?"
Darren Gladstone @gizmogladstone
Demoing the ENVY 23 to some kids & in my demo: Games + HD Tuner + HDMI + PC = you get your living room back. They loved it.
Tiffany Winner @thismomwins
@gizmogladstone I love that the TV is no longer the focal point in the living room now that everyone has a laptop
THE IMPORTANCE OF TOUCHSCREENS
Windows @Windows
Do you think having a touch PC with a big monitor, would be a benefit to your kids and family? Why?
itagsubbu @itagsubbu
@KristinaLibby Touch PC's are one of the best learning tools compared to using mouse to move around. #winchat @HP
CynGagen @CynGagen
big screens are great for my purposes in education & art...kids love touch screens - makes it easier to use (for me too!)
David Swinton @TheMurusaki
@KristinaLibby Q4 Touch screen and big screen yes. It is easier to teach and show things on a touch screen
Melissa Zieger @MelissaZieger
@Windows my niece and nephew refer to the Touchsmart in the kitchen as "their PC". We have to ask permission to use it!
Geek Dad @GeekDad248
Absolutely - kids love interact w screen and makes use more productive for them
Roy Whitney @GrumpyButtFunny
@Windows yes. having a touch screen allows for more interaction. ie: working together as a family more family fun
Jason Rocco @ThatGuyHugs
@Windows It would be great as a central hub for everyone to look, use and touch.
Ann Finnie @AFinnie
RT @crobby76: @Windows @HP I think the touchscreen helps with children's coordination skills <I AGREE!>
Darren Gladstone @gizmogladstone
@FirstClassKris @TuesdayGirl @windows @HP @afinnie #winchat touchsmart PCs are awesome for kids. Check what i did: http://youtu.be/vgB6AUm9Uos?a
Krissy @FirstClassKris
@gizmogladstone You are the BEST Spinbrush artist I've ever seen! 
tee hee @windows #winchat
Darren Gladstone @gizmogladstone
@FirstClassKris In that case, I'd also recommend a game called Crayon Physics Deluxe. You drawn on-screen objects to solve puzzles
Krissy @FirstClassKris
@gizmogladstone Sounds great-She just got in2 'Gifted" & I look for 'challenging' games for her @windows
GENERAL TECH PARENTING THOUGHTS
Ann Finnie @AFinnie
@KidManiaBlog Just saw your tweet about turning off your router at night. Great idea to keep your kids safe!
@windowsblog A great free tool for those looking to for more PC control is Family Safety. Info here: http://bit.ly/ozsN7J
Ann Finnie @AFinnie
To monitor PC usage, many parents keep a PC in a central room in their house. What do you do?
RT @TheOnlineMom: Remember: Kids that feel trusted and respected will make the best decisions (online and offline) so spying is out
Darren Gladstone @gizmogladstone
Nerd Dad of the year! RT: @KristinaLibby: want the wifi – do your chores: http://flipmad.com/post/28270069709/access-to-wifi
On that note, I have two last bits of advice for you that I wrote…..in tweet form, of course
We have a TON of back to school PC tips (& sales tips!) over at TheNextBench worth checking out http://h20435.www2.hp.com/t5/The-Next-Bench-Blog/B
1 last pro-tip for school-bound kids: Set up a cloud account just for their school work. That way, they can never leave it @ home!
What do you think of the study – or the WinChat? Do you have any tips for how you treat your kid at home and online?
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