How to Successfully Monitor Electronic Usage?

I can help with the computer usage only...haven't figured out the IPod/Ipad.

There is a computer program for only $30 called times up kids (timesupkids.com). It is the BEST invention ever. You can limit time of day, how long, when they have to take breaks, setting different things for different days and it is really easy to add or take away time. I LOVE it!! My kids HATE it (which means it works). The cost of $30 is for as many computers you have and is good forever. A bargain in my world. The computer gives warnings to the kids with time left and at times up, it logs them out. I cannot tell you how much this has made my life easier. I am no longer the bad guy and time police!

We just had internet hooked up to our desk top. We are going to be adding safeeyes.com. I think its $50 per year. Our pastor, his wife and their FIVE boys are all on it. I just know the basics, but basically, each person has their own account and you can set up limits on what time they are on (like you can block from 10pm to 7am or whatever) and you can block what they view. It will also notify you of every single website they visit. Our pastors wife is the only one who has access to making changes, which I think is a good idea. I think you have to take active steps to protect your kids. Once they see something they shouldn't, there is no turning back, they've already seen it! I hope you find something that works for you.

You could set up timers on everything so they all turn off at a certain time, but I don’t think the kids will like it.

I have a hard time in my house since I know it is my hubby with the most usage. He has at least 5 laptops running all day every day for his work (IT guy). We also keep the AC on the cooler side to keep his office from overheating.

I would keep on your kids about turning things off (this is a big pet peeve of mine).

I agree that my kids have too much access, but at age 14+ you need to start letting them make their own decissions as to how to spend their free time.

Growing up video games were not allowed in our house. We have no xbox, ds, hand held, etc. At school age, they had limited access to a computer without internet access where they could play educational games that I had on discs. In middle school they were allowed internet access. They were also taught that they needed to do their chores and do well in school or they would not be allowed these privledges.

I will frequently look at my daughters' laptops or peek at their ipods to see what's up. There are no electronic devices allowed at the dinner table. At 9:00 each night, laptops and ipods are brought into the living room for the night. We schedule family time and no electronic devices are allowed.

We're pretty lax with all of it. We have a busy schedule, though. Taekwondo four times/week, plus school and my husband and I both work full time. So, my kids never really have the time to sit around and play on electronics but when they do, ALL homework has to be done. On the weekends if I feel like they've spent too much time being sedentary I just tell them to quit.

Although I should add, my kids are a lot younger than yours. When they're older, I won't have such an easy time with this issue! LOL!