i didn't actually get a pc that was online until i was about 18. and even then i had to teach my folks how to use it
before and after we got the pc, most of my out of school hours were spent with friends.
although i do think even i spent too much time on the pc when i was out of work/on sick leave and i found i started dreaming conversations in MSN format lol
i think if you socialise your kids well from an early age, to understand how a pc works and that it can be fun, but that "real" life is more important they grow up with a balanced idea. lemonybrainaid seems to have a fairly mature attitude to pcs.... although learning more than at school.... hmmm depends what your trying to learn i guess
my nephew (whose five) is always on at me to let him play games on my pc. i do let him every other day for about half an hour, then he is sent off to play with his toys or we read a book together. so he is getting a balanced experience. he also loves talking to my friends on MSN...