--- title: The Perfect Age to Buy Your Child Their Own Computer | GoStudent | GoStudent description: When should you buy your child their own computer? We break it down by age to let you know what is and isn’t necessary at each stage of development. image: https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/Insights-EN-Blog-Images/Computer%20for%20children/children-with-computer.jpg --- × Share your learning needs to match with the ideal tutor, based on personality, learning level and goals. [Request a free trial session](https://www.gostudent.org/book-trial/?flow=leaf&reachOutVia=Blog&experiment=none-set&lang=en&country=en>mId=GTM-P4XFRMX&offBrand=false&origin=https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-first-computer-for-your-child&customSessionID=&cookiesMarketing=&cookiesNecessary=&cookiesPreferences=&cookiesStatistics=&referring=) [![GoStudent](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/GS_Blog/BlogAssets/GS_Logo_New/gs_logo_blog.svg "GoStudent")](https://www.gostudent.org/en) [Sign up](https://www.gostudent.org/book-trial/?flow=multi&reachOutVia=Blog&experiment=none-set&lang=en&country=en>mId=GTM-P4XFRMX&offBrand=false&origin=https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-first-computer-for-your-child&customSessionID=&cookiesMarketing=&cookiesNecessary=&cookiesPreferences=&cookiesStatistics=&referring=) - [Home](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog) - Online tuition - [Math tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/maths/) - [English tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/english/) - [Physics tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/physics/) - [Biology tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/biology/) - [Chemistry tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/chemistry/) - [French tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/french/) - [German tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/german/) - [Spanish tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/spanish/) - Exam tutors - [A level tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/a-levels/) - [GCSE tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/gcse/) - [11+ tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/11/) - [iGCSE tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/igcse/) - [International baccalaureate](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/international-baccalaureate/) - [SATs tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/sats/) - Parenting - [Behaviour](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/behaviour) - [Neurodiversity](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/neurodiversity) - [Learning Trends](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/learning-trends) - [Digital Learning](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/technology) - [Learning Outside of School](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/learning-outside-of-school) - [Study Motivation](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/study-motivation) - [More Tips](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/parenting) - [Trending](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/trending) - [Personal Stories](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/personal-stories) - School Subjects - [Maths](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/maths) - [Science](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/science) - [English](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/english) - [Language Learning](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/foreign-languages) - [History](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/history) - [Economics](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/economics) - Other - [Irish](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/irish) - [Law](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/law) - [IT (Coding)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/it-coding) - [Exams](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/exams) - [Further Education](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/further-education) - [Free Learning Materials](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/free-learning-materials) - Tips for Tutors - [Digital Teaching Tools](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/digital-teaching-tools) - [Teaching Techniques](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/teaching-techniques) - [Become a Tutor](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/become-a-tutor) - About Us - [What We Do](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/what-we-do) - [GoStudent Reviews](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/gostudent-reviews) - [Try Free](https://www.gostudent.org/book-trial/?flow=leaf&reachOutVia=Blog&experiment=none-set&lang=en&country=es>mId=GTM-P4XFRMX&offBrand=false&origin=https://insights.gostudent.org/en/grade-improvement-exams-tutoring-effectiveness&customSessionID=&cookiesMarketing=&cookiesNecessary=&cookiesPreferences=&cookiesStatistics=&referring=) Enter at least 3 characters Top results ## Would you like to explore a topic? - [AI](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/ai) - [TRENDING](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/trending) - [EXAMS](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/exams) - [MORE TIPS](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/more-tips) - [BEHAVIOUR](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/behaviour) - [LEARNING OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/learning-outside-of-school) ## Or read some of our popular articles? ### [FREE Downloadable English GCSE Past Papers with Mark Scheme](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/how-to-find-english-gcse-past-papers) - Guy Doza - 19 May 2022 ### [GCSE Maths Past Papers - Download Your FREE Maths Exam Papers](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/gcse-maths-past-papers) - Alexia James - 18 May 2022 ### [The 15 Best AI Tools for Revision: Create Notes, Summarise Lessons, and Ace Exams](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-best-ai-tools-for-revision) - GoStudent UK - 11 March 2026 [TECHNOLOGY](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/technology) # The Perfect Age to Buy Your Child Their Own Computer - By [Jen Goggins](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/jen-goggins) - May 21, 2021 - | Updated: July 28, 2025 ![computer-for-children](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/Insights-EN-Blog-Images/Computer%20for%20children/children-with-computer.jpg) [![Hero](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/Hero%20%C2%B7%201285%C3%97445%20%C2%B7%20EN%20%C2%B7%20Blog.png)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/education-report/2026/) ## Contents 1. [Ages 0-5](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-first-computer-for-your-child#ages-0-5) 2. [Ages 5-12](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-first-computer-for-your-child#age-5-12) 3. [The sweet spot: age 10](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-first-computer-for-your-child#age-10) 4. [Ages 12-18](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-first-computer-for-your-child#twelve-18)   Age 5? Age 10? What is the best age for a child to have their own computer? The debate rages on, but we have the information you need to make the right decision.  Does your child have their own computer? If not, we bet they're begging you for one, right? It’s hard to know when you should buy a computer for your child. Technology has grown so much that parents sometimes feel lost. Should your child have their own computer now? Or should you wait?  Of course, the right answer depends very much on your own preferences - and budget. But there are some factors to consider for each age that will help you decide the right time to buy a computer for your child. 💻![kid on computer](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights_GoStudent_Blog_Images/kid-on-computer.jpg?width=1000&name=kid-on-computer.jpg) ## Ages 0-5   Spoiler alert: your 0-5-year-old does not need their own computer! 😉 And actually, [babies under 2](https://www.bbc.com/news/health-48021224) shouldn’t have screen time at all. By that, we mean sitting and watching videos or other “passive” screen time. A FaceTime with grandma is perfectly fine. Young children can and do use computers, but they should be supervised at all times. Some good uses for computer time are: - An educational video or game - A video chat with family - Looking up information and images about something they want to learn about Don’t worry about a child this age have their own computer.   ## Ages 5-12   Once students begin primary school, they will use computers a lot more. Computers became even more necessary during Covid: the [virtual classroom](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/7-benefits-of-the-virtual-classroom) was the only classroom! But even with in-person classes, students use computers often. Starting at [age 5,](https://funtech.co.uk/latest/at-what-age-can-a-child-start-coding) students learn to program[in school](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/sep/04/coding-school-computing-children-programming). They also learn to research topics, type, and interact with peers. But it’s important to spend time off-screen too! Kids need to [read](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/easily-increase-your-childs-enthusiasm-on-reading) real books and get outside every day. 🌳 This will actually help them learn more when they are in school. In early primary, your child should have access to a computer at home, but they don’t need their own. You’ll want to be able to keep an eye on their computer usage, and this is best accomplished on the family device.   ## The sweet spot: age 10   Did you know half of British 10 year olds have [their own computer](https://yougov.co.uk/topics/education/articles-reports/2020/03/13/what-age-do-kids-get-phones-tablet-laptops-)? (and the other half wish they did 😂). But many still used a [shared computer](https://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/2020/06/10/over-half-of-home-schooled-children-in-the-uk-have-only-shared-access-to-computers) at home during remote or [blended learning](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/how-can-you-use-blended-learning-at-home).  If you can make it work, a shared computer can be a great compromise. But with the increasing use of computers for school (plus if your child does computer based activities in their free time), it can be hard to juggle a schedule with a shared device! Around age 10 is a great time to buy a computer for your child. As they get older, they will definitely need one. But at age 10, they are young enough that you can still supervise and teach them how to stay safe online.  Think about your child - are they responsible enough at this age to take care of a computer? If not, wait a few years. There’s no harm in using the family computer a while longer, even if your child would like you to believe otherwise.    ## Ages 12-18   If your child doesn’t have their own computer yet by secondary, it is usually more necessary by this point. That is because of increased [homework](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/is-homework-helpful) requirements. Older children usually like to use the computer for more than just school, too. 🎮 Make sure you set [parental controls](https://mashable.com/uk/roundup/best-parental-control-software-uk/) and monitor the sites your child accesses. 🔒 You’ll also need to make sure that they are acting responsibly and taking care of their device, especially if they are bringing it out of the house with them. Most schools have computers [available in the classroom](https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252477352/UK-teachers-want-more-computers-in-schools), but students still need to use one outside of school too. And by the time they get to university, a computer is a definite necessity!    ## GoStudent supports students   Another great reason for your child to have a computer? [Online tutoring](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/3-reasons-online-tutoring-is-the-best). If your child needs extra help in school, a [GoStudent tutor](https://www.gostudent.org/en/our-tutors?_ga=2.172121379.1459445353.1621586348-1204454499.1621586348) can work with them to get them where they need to be. Arrange a trial lesson to see for yourself! 🚀 [![1-May-12-2023-09-09-32-6011-AM](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/1-May-12-2023-09-09-32-6011-AM.png)](https://www.gostudent.org/book-trial/?flow=leaf&reachOutVia=Blog&experiment=none-set&lang=en&country=en>mId=GTM-P4XFRMX&offBrand=false&origin=https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-first-computer-for-your-child&customSessionID=&cookiesMarketing=&cookiesNecessary=&cookiesPreferences=&cookiesStatistics=&referring=) #### Popular posts [![Student studying for a English GCSE past paper](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights_GoStudent_Blog_Images/exams-2.jpg?upsize=true&upscale=true&width=100&height=100&name=exams-2.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/how-to-find-english-gcse-past-papers) ### [FREE Downloadable English GCSE Past Papers with Mark Scheme](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/how-to-find-english-gcse-past-papers) - By [Guy Doza](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/guy-doza) - In [![Student doing GCSE maths past paper](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights_GoStudent_Blog_Images/math-square-root%20(1).jpg?upsize=true&upscale=true&width=100&height=100&name=math-square-root%20(1).jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/gcse-maths-past-papers) ### [GCSE Maths Past Papers - Download Your FREE Maths Exam Papers](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/gcse-maths-past-papers) - By [Alexia James](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/alexia-james) - In [EXAMS](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/exams) [![](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/positive-teenage-schoolboy-using-digital-tablet-wi-2026-01-05-23-48-46-utc.jpg?upsize=true&upscale=true&width=100&height=100&name=positive-teenage-schoolboy-using-digital-tablet-wi-2026-01-05-23-48-46-utc.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-best-ai-tools-for-revision) ### [The 15 Best AI Tools for Revision: Create Notes, Summarise Lessons, and Ace Exams](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-best-ai-tools-for-revision) - By [GoStudent UK](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/gostudent-uk) - In [AI](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/ai), [AI IN EDUCATION](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/ai-in-education), [after-school tuition](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/after-school-tuition) [![boy listening to music on headphones](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights-ES-Blog-Images/Estudiar%20con%20musica/estudiar-con-musica-2.jpg?upsize=true&upscale=true&width=100&height=100&name=estudiar-con-musica-2.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/songs-for-babies) ### [The 10 Best Songs for Babies and Toddlers (By Age Group)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/songs-for-babies) - By [Clarissa Joshua](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/clarissa-joshua) - In [LEARNING OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/learning-outside-of-school) [![Top Ten List of the Best Roblox YouTubers](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights_GoStudent_Blog_Images/roblox-play-videogames.jpg?upsize=true&upscale=true&width=100&height=100&name=roblox-play-videogames.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/list-of-roblox-youtubers) ### [Top Ten List of the Best Roblox YouTubers For Kids](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/list-of-roblox-youtubers) - By [Akshat Biyani](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/akshat-biyani) - In [IT (CODING)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/tag/it-coding) ### Want to try tutoring? Request a free trial session with a top tutor. ### More great reads: [![Why Learning How to Code Will Help Your Child's Career Prospects](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights-EN-Blog-Images/Back%20to%20School%20from%20Remote%20Learning/apprendre-a-coder-1.jpg?width=415&height=205&name=apprendre-a-coder-1.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/how-to-learn-to-code) ### [Why Learning How to Code Will Help Your Child's Career Prospects](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/how-to-learn-to-code) - By [Payal Mohta](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/payal-mohta) - September 4, 2022 - 5 min read [![Top Online Courses for Kids & What You Need to Get Started](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Insights-EN-Blog-Images/Online%20Classes%20to%20Learn%20With/online-classes.jpg?width=415&height=205&name=online-classes.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/top-online-classes-for-kids) ### [Top Online Courses for Kids & What You Need to Get Started](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/top-online-classes-for-kids) - By [Kyra Beth](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/kyra-beth) - July 19, 2022 - 5 min read [![The Best Coding Apps for Kids: Help Them Learn How to Programme](https://www.gostudent.org/hs-fs/hubfs/kid-mom-online-learning.jpg?width=415&height=205&name=kid-mom-online-learning.jpg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-best-coding-apps-for-kids) ### [The Best Coding Apps for Kids: Help Them Learn How to Programme](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-best-coding-apps-for-kids) - By [Connie Kulis-Page](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/connie-kulis-page) - June 5, 2022 - 5 min read [![Hero](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/Hero%20%C2%B7%201285%C3%97445%20%C2%B7%20EN%20%C2%B7%20Blog.png)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/education-report/2026/) [![GoStudent](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/GS_Blog/BlogAssets/GS_Logo_New/gs_logo_blog.svg)](https://www.gostudent.org/en) GoStudent is the #1 online tutoring platform for children. Our goal is to connect every student with the perfect tutor. Over 20.000+ qualified tutors provide first-class tutoring in all school subjects. [Try now for free](https://www.gostudent.org/book-trial/?flow=leaf&reachOutVia=Blog&experiment=none-set&lang=en&country=en>mId=GTM-P4XFRMX&offBrand=false&origin=https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-first-computer-for-your-child&customSessionID=&cookiesMarketing=&cookiesNecessary=&cookiesPreferences=&cookiesStatistics=&referring=) #### Popular subjects - [Maths tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/maths/) - [English tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/english/) - [Physics tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/physics/) - [Chemistry tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/chemistry/) - [Biology tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/biology/) - [History tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/history/) - [French tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/french/) - [German tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/german/) - [Science tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/science/) - [Law tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/law/) - [Spanish tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/spanish/) - [Economics tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/economics/) - [Geography tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/geography/) #### Levels - [KS1](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/ks1/) - [KS2](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/ks2/) - [KS3](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/ks2/) - [KS4](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/ks4/) - [Advanced Higher](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/advanced-higher/) - [National 5](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/national-5/) #### Exams - [A level tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/a-levels/) - [GCSE tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/gcse/) - [SAT tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/sats/) - [11+ exam tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/11/) - [iGCSE tutors](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/online-tutoring/igcse/) #### Resources from the blog - [Best tutoring websites](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/best-tutoring-websites-in-the-uk) - [Free homeschooling resources](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-best-free-homeschooling-resources) - [11+ Vocab word list (downloadable)](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/11-plus-vocabulary) - [11+ maths questions to try at home](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/11-plus-maths-papers) - [11+ reading comprehension past paper](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/11-plus-comprehension) - [GCSE maths past papers](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/gcse-maths-past-papers) - [A Level maths past papers](https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/a-level-maths-past-papers) - [![icn\_fb](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/GS_Blog/Footer%20-%20Social%20Media%20Icons/icn_fb.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/GoStudentTutoring) - [![icn\_ig](https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/GS_Blog/Footer%20-%20Social%20Media%20Icons/icn_ig.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/gostudent_uk) © Copyright 2026 - **GOSTUDENT LTD** - All Rights Reserved. ##### Book a free trial session ##### Book a free trial session ##### Sign up for your free tutoring lesson. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jen Goggins", "url" : "https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/author/jen-goggins" }, "dateModified" : "2022-07-29T13:21:46.288Z", "datePublished" : "2021-05-21T08:49:43.000Z", "headline" : "The Perfect Age to Buy Your Child Their Own Computer | GoStudent", "image" : [ "https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/Insights-EN-Blog-Images/Computer%20for%20children/children-with-computer.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.gostudent.org/en-gb/blog/the-first-computer-for-your-child", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.gostudent.org/hubfs/GS_Logo_blue_background%20(3)-1.jpg" }, "name" : "GoStudent Education Holding GmbH" } } ```