What do we provide kids in their bedrooms? Computer, television, games machines? Whatever we do we need to think through what we provide. There are several things of which we must be aware to ensure we are providing kids what they need, but also ensuring their own security and safety.

"Tech for the Kids' Rooms" in Electronic House outlines some of the things we might want to consider in providing for kids in their bedrooms.

Included in the recommendations for kids' rooms, the article discusses the addition of:

•  A wall mounted TV
•  Video distribution system
•  Networked computer
•  Networked phone
•  Kid-Friendly Security System

While the article is sound in most of what it says, you may wish to ensure tighter controls over the computer system that you include in a networked computer. However, with so many problems online, particularly if kids feel that they are doing these web things in the security of their bedroom, we may be putting kids in harm's way. I recommend that kids using a computer should do so in a more public place of the house, especially where a parent passes through or is in view most of the time the computer is being used. Kids will be less secretive and will not engage in chats that may ultimately be harmful to kids.