Why oh Why

These are my oldest boys enjoying the use of laptop computers courtesy of the school.
Every student in the Farmington district from 6-12 grade is issued a laptop.  In a time when art programs and music programs, positions and teachers' pay are being cut, let's put a computer in the hands of every student.  Why?!? Of course the computers come from grant money so it is different from the budget.  whatever.

Do you think these boys (in the picture) are doing homework?  no no no.  Games.  The computers come with wireless internet. And of course it is 'filtered' so they can't access everything on the internet.  yeah right.  filters only do so much and any kid who wants to can find ways around the filter.  It just makes me upset and frustrated as a parent that in today's world with all the technology, challenges, and temptations that exist for our kids today that the public education system would provide them with a tool to make it easier for kids access harmful things.  Yes, parents should monitor their kids and communicate and be open and all that.  As a parent I can limit the technology my kid has, such as smart phones and itouches with browsers, etc., and put my home computer in the dining room, but what do I do when the school gives them laptops?  Kids can go anywhere there is free wi-fi and do whatever they want on their computers.  I can teach my kids, but I can't hold their hands and be with them everywhere.


Yes, this picture of my boys is in their bedroom, and we have since made a rule that they can only use their computers in the living room and dining room.

Why do the laptops need wireless internet?  Supposedly the textbooks are on the computers.  (my junior says that his teachers don't even use the computers).  Can't they access textbooks without a wireless internet?  I am not a computer tech so I don't know much about how that works, but I am sure I could figure out a way to use the computers without wireless access away from school.  I am mad and that my kids have something in their hands that opens up danger and temptation that they don't need at this young age.  And also something that gives them less personal interaction with family and peers.  I know that one day my kids will be on their own and have to make choices then, but they will be older, more mature and able to handle things better.  Right now they are teenagers with teenage brains trying to figure out the world.  They don't need help of laptops and the internet at their fingertips!!