I don't think that we can talk about a "right " or "wrong" age to use a computer ,the choice will be based on your parenting style and on the readiness of child . Also, one thing that should be taken into consideration is how healthy are your child's eyes by having regular eye tests .

Originally Posted by Ricardo

I'd be inclined to allow a child considerably more time on the computer if constructive learning was involved than if a shooter game was being played, for example.

This is a good point, Ricardo. Anything a child would be doing that's educational is a lot more worthwhile than playing games, I think. My daughter started checking out various things when she was 3 or 4 but at that point it was all educational... sometimes, now that I'm thinking of it, those educational programs are in the *form* of a game, though.

My daughter has been using my computer since she was 3+, but only to play with educational games that I have installed for her. She currently has dozens of games that she enjoys a lot; Barbie, Dora and Power Puff Girls games to name a few. I think it is a great way for her to learn how to use a computer at such a young age, she however does not know how to surf the internet yet but I am aware that it will come in time.