The iPad is a really useful, and more significantly fun device, so it is no wonder that so many kids are pestering parents for one of these touch screen Apple tablets rather than more conventional toys. Of course, because the iPad is expensive and also connects to the web, some parents are unsure as to whether it is a good idea to buy one for a school age child.
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Whether you’re worried about their online safety, or concerned it might be another pricey item they get bored of quickly, there’s a lot to consider before you take the plunge and buy them one.
Here are some helpful advice regarding iPads and school age children of different ages:
iPads and Kids Aged 5 to 8
The touch screen interface of an iPad means that many apps and games are very easy to use, even if you haven’t completely mastered reading yet, let alone computers. There are lots of downloadable apps available to help educate young children through touch screen play, so an iPad can really help them get practice in when it comes to words and numbers. You probably will want to install these games yourself and then give them the iPad disconnected from the internet, so you know all they have access to are the things you put there.
Children at the bottom end of this age group probably wouldn’t take much advantage of their very own iPad, but if you take these precautions letting them use yours or an older sibling’s should be fine. Kids at the upper end, if they are tech savvy, may enjoy having their own iPad where they can also create a library of their favorite books, music and movies as well as learning resources and games.
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iPads and Kids Aged 9 to 12
The 9 to 12 age group can get a lot of benefits from the iPad. Precocious children who already have an interest in things like social media may need to be supervised more strictly than others, but on the whole, allowing them to access the web and choose their own apps is reasonably safe and gives them a chance to prove they can be trusted. However, set them up with their own iTunes account so they can only get apps if they are free or they purchase them with an iTunes gift card – it is never wise to give them the password to an iTunes account linked to your card as many kids have made purchases accidentally this way due to in-app micro-transactions. Web access will make it much easier for them to use their iPad to do research for their homework, and will also let them download games and media they want. Apple has strict guidelines about what is allowed on the app store so games are age rated for language and violence, and there are no “strictly adult” apps allowed.
Because kids in this age bracket are more likely to be taking their iPads out to their friends’ houses or taking them with them when they go for days out, you may want to consider insuring the iPad so it isn’t an expensive issue if it gets stolen or broken somewhere it isn’t covered by your home insurance. You can opt for Apple’s own care package when you buy it, or look to some other specialist insurance options which are designed for iPad owners.
[Image credit: littlemaiba, Flickr]
Personally, I wouldn’t want my 4-year old kid to have an iPad of his own. I still want him to play the conventional toys and have fun with his playmates rather than devote himself on the screen the whole day.
I totally agree with you on this, Jeremy! Kids should be playing with their friends at the park. An iPad is just too soon for them.
Why not friends? I mean, I totally agree that outdoor activities are must for teens; but the world is moving soo fast that, parents don’t have any other option that giving their kids the latest gadgets..
Although its universally believed that tabs are meant for playing games, but there are educational games too..
I am of the strong opinion that, kids of the 21st century need to be techie from the inception; give them all the latest gadgets, ofcourse which are affordable to you, and discuss with them all the latest tech updates! 🙂
I still think it’s more important to let kids growing up with less exposure to tech gadgets as possible. It’s OK to let them spend some time on technology sometimes but they should be more actively involved in outdoor activities with their friends at their age because that’s what they’re supposed to be doing. Kids are still kids they don’t know how to think which is good or bad for them. If you just give them technology they will probably think that’s what they should be doing growing up. We can see many teenagers these days talk less to their friends and even their parents. They rather spend time updating social media on their phones or tablets. Face to face communication has become rare. That’s mostly due to too much technology. People should be ‘chatting’ not ‘typing’. I’m not saying not to let kids enjoy technology at all, but buying them a gadget and let them own one at pre-teen age is just too soon.
I really even cannot imagine an Apple iPAD as a gift fro a PRE TEEN child. He even cannot handle the touch interface finely. Rather than and Tablet computer, some toys would be a nicer and more entertaining choice as a gift from them. That’s what my opinion is!
Better give them a Minion yeah? I think they will appreciate it more. LOL 🙂
Everyone loves Minions! I am way past my pre-teen stage, let alone my teenage years but I would be stoked to have one. On a “related note,” kids and pre-teens on the age brackets mentioned on the post, in my opinion are driven by what they perceive as for their wants. It is up to parents to decide whether that thing, whether it be an iPad or not, is appropriate for their child. It is not just about giving in to a child’s pestering but thinking about the after-effects of that particular decision. 🙂