How do you choose the best tablet for your kids?

[littleboo_21]

**COMPETITION NOW CLOSED**

There is no denying that we live in a digital age. Over the past 20 years, the internet has revolutionised the way we source and access information. Utilising it for entertainment, from apps, YouTube and social media.

Given that parents will access the internet for a host of reasons it is only logical that their children will also want to access some of the features too.

However when is the best time to do this and how do you choose the best tablet for kids?

 

When should I get my child a digital tablet?

When it comes to the question of when should we be introducing technology to children there is no right or wrong answer to this. Every child is different and the content that they want to access will be different too. As parents, we know our children and the levels of responsibility that they can handle at any given time. My three children have all accessed technology at different ages, as well as in different ways.

How to keep your children learning as well as entertained?

Introducing a digital tablet can be something that is not only a source of entertainment but also a learning tool. With a wide range of apps available via Google Play and the App Store tailored to the age of your child, you are able to make informed decisions as to whether the content will be suitable for their age group. With apps such as Netflix allow you to tailor access rights to content depending on age.

It’s worth remembering that not all screen time is created equal so whilst they may be accessing a gaming app on their tablet. It could be one that is teaching them how to code, testing their maths skills or encouraging them to be creative with drawing or design. Whilst they might want to access standard gaming apps too, it’s worth looking at their activity reports to see what they are accessing and how long they are utilising that content.

How to set up parental controls on a digital tablet

When it comes to setting up parental controls on your child’s tablet, it isn’t something that is difficult to complete and should only take you a few minutes. Although do take your time to look through each section and decide upon what restrictions you want to add for your child. From app access and screen time limits to whether they are able to download new content without you being notified.

Apple

• Go to settings and tap screen time
• Tap continue, then select “This is My Child’s [Device]"
• Follow the prompts until you get to parent passcode and create a passcode. Re-enter it to confirm
• Use a screen time passcode so that no one else can change the settings
• Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode, then turn on content & privacy

Android

• Open Google Play and tap the three horizontal lines at the top left
• Scroll down and tap Settings, then scroll until you see parental controls
• Tap it, and you’ll have to create a pin code. Enter it twice
• You can now tap each category to set how restrictive you want it to be
• Save at the bottom of each screen
• Ensure to create a pin for app purchases

How expensive are digital tablets?

This is a difficult one as there are many different brands and models available. This really comes down to what you are looking for in a digital tablet and how it will be utilised. Things you want to consider when looking at the different tablets available:

• Screen size: Will they be taking their tablet with them on adventures, so would a smaller screen be more portable. However, will they be streaming programmes and movies? And therefore would a bigger screen be more suitable

• Camera: Is this a feature that your child will utilise? Whether they are using AR apps, taking selfies or looking to capture their adventures when out and about?

• Memory size: Depending on how many apps, games and files they will be storing on their tablet you will need to look at what memory comes as standard? Can this be extended with the addition of a micro SD card?

• Device protection: Does it come with a protective case to help guard against the slips and trips from little hands? Are you able to purchase a protective case to fit the make and model?

How can you keep children safe online?

Keeping children safe in the digital world is something that has been highlighted within the media and in schools. As parents, it is something that we have a responsibility to ensure as well as educating our children how they can protect themselves online. Internet Matters offers a wealth of guidance for parents on this subject as well as an online safety app that can be downloaded onto the children’s tablet. This can be used to educate your child on online safety.

What are your thoughts on when children should have access to technology? Join in the conversion by commenting below to be in with a chance to win a Samsung Tab 5e tablet..

Full terms and conditions apply: 

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EE Competition to Win Samsung Tab 5e

1. The promoter is: Things Unlimited on behalf of EE Limited whose registered office is at [10 Great Pulteney St, Soho, London W1F 9NB].
2. The competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 years or over except employees of [EE & Unlimited Group] and their close relatives and anyone otherwise connected with the organisation or judging of the competition.
3. There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary to enter this competition.
4. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
5. Route to entry for the competition and details of how to enter are via [http://bit.ly/2FeyDwO]
6. The competition will be advertised on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. However, entry to participate in the competition is via the comments on the EE Community Blog Post [http://bit.ly/2FeyDwO].
7. Only one entry will be accepted per person. Multiple entries from the same person will be disqualified.
8. Closing date for entry will be Sunday 31^st March 2019. After this date the no further entries to the competition will be permitted.
9. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
10. How to enter the competition are as follows:

o   Access the article here: http://bit.ly/2FeyDwO

o   What are your thoughts on when children should have access to technology? Join in the conversion by commenting below on the EE Community blog post to be in with a chance to win a Samsung Tab 5e tablet

10. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
11. The promoter is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition.
12. The prize is as follows: Samsung Tab 5e
13. The prize is as stated, and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The prizes are not transferable. Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any prize with another of equivalent value without giving notice.
14. Winners will be chosen at random from all entries received and verified by Promoter and or its agents.
15. The winner will be notified by email from the EE Community Blog post within 28 days of the closing date. If the winner cannot be contacted or do not claim the prize within 14 days of notification, we reserve the right to withdraw the prize from the winner and pick a replacement winner.
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21. The winner’s name will be available 28 days after closing date by emailing the following address: [srahman@tmwunlimited.com]
22. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Network. You are providing your information to EE and not to any other party. The information provided will be used in conjunction with the following Privacy Policy found at [https://ee.co.uk/eeprivacycentre]

[HP41]

We live in the age of technology and that can be a most wondrous thing or a terrible thing, depending on how we handle it, especially where  children are involved. 

I believe introducing children to technology from a young age is a good thing- it's hard not to with smart tvs, tablets, phones etc. 

When starting nursery my own kids were introduced to large touch screen interactive TVs, they could touch and swipe and choose nursery rhymes and educational games. 

As they get older, the need to use the internet to research etc becomes greater- however so does the want of social media and that brings other issues.

In my opinion, technology should be encouraged but it should also be limited and highly regulated. 

Children do not need masses of screen time at the detriment of outdoor or other play and education. They also need very thoroughly watching, restricting and supervising when it comes to the internet. 

[hannahwilding]

I think children should have access from any age. Technology can be very beneficial in terms of teaching them extra things. Obviously there are some parts they have to be protected against until they are old enough. 

[Joelt]

There's no single recipe for success, but you'll know it when you see it. Balance for your family will look different than it will for your neighbor because every family is unique and parenting styles and values vary.

Watch for the warning signs of unhealthy tech usage.

Be prepared to revisit this topic again and again.Still set screen time limits to balance online and offline activities.Set boundaries for work time and family time.Set rules as a family.

[Rarawilk111]

I have always tried to keep up to date with technology and share this with my son who is 4. His future will be reliant on technology and I want him to understand how it all works. We sit down and do practice writing with a pen as much as we do practice typing. I've always let him use the buttons and features on my phone. He thinks of Google maps like a treasure hunt. One day the roles will reverse and he will be teaching me how to do things but at least I am giving him the skills and foundation to keep up with a rapidly changing world. Embrace it everyone!

[Glong88]

I have allowed my children tablets for the purpose of learning games only. No interest no social media etc. Happy my 2 year old uses them to for limited periods again for learning. All games are age restricted and not used unless they are that age  

[cutey1983]

I think children's technology access is perfectly fine but should be limited and controlled.

I would rather my child be playing in the beautiful countryside and experiencing nature, rather than be glued to a screen all day!

[LWilliams379]

I was lucky my son had the opportunity to play with toys before all the pressure of technology. When he was younger tablets were not used by all children as they are today. Today it does give the opportunity to be educational and to learn through play, so by the time they reach 4 or 5 and starting school. It does need parental controls in place and their use supervised with time limits.

[Markey75]

I think tablets are a great educational tool if the time is managed.

[sarah2503]

my son is 4 and has supervised and limited amounts of screen time, I think it is good to help them learn some things as long as it is limited

[cinderellao9]

it difficult, my daughter had a tablet at 4 but with internet access turned off, and she had lots of games installed by me, and a couple of movies saved onto it. now she is 10, she has more freedom on it, she uses it for homework, she enjoys coding and making animations etc, she has many rules and restrictions she knows she cant talk to people she doesnt know, i have access to her technology so i can keep an eye on everything

[Lsully]

We used to be against starting our children off too early with tablets and computers as when they used them they were less sociable and less engaged with is afterwards.  Now 4 children later we see the benefits of tightly restricted technology use, as it is important in this modern world for our children to be adept at using new technologies, as they will need to be for school and work life.  My main concern is the monitoring of apps, websites, social media and online gaming/chatrooms.  It seems impossible to keep up with all the new games, restriction settings and even things that slip through parental filters and controls.  It is a tough job allowing our children access, especially to things many of their friends have free access to (which I do not agree with until at the correct age to use such things) whilst keeping them safe and guarded from harm, be it bullying, pornography, violence etc.  It is so hard.

[katemilton]

I think it's important in this new digital world we live in for children to have access to technology from an early age as this will help them to understand it and grow with it as it develops. I do however think it needs to be very much restricted especially for young children. My children have computer time as a reward or just 30 minutes a day through the week. I always check what they are doing and set parental controls. 

[Howie1949]

The internet is not a toy for children; it is too dangerous and threatening. No person under 11 has any need to access the internet. There is TV, radio and, dare I say it, BOOKS where they can learn and experience the world around them. Just because everyone else seems to have the internet does not make it right. It reminds me of when I was young and nearly everyone smoked; I now have Asthma, my Dad has COPD!

[BionicRusty]

Evolution of mankind will more and more rely on technology. Children should be introduced to tech the same age as they are introduced to books and in the same manner, i.e. as fun learning. However, the use of tech should not override the need for physical activity and I truly believe it is our responsibility to encourage our children to find a good physical activity/tech balance. Also as parents it can be easy to leave our children alone while they are quiet on their tech but it is our responsibility to make sure they lead a balanced life. 

[Deano777]

I have 4 boys ages 15, 11, 8 and 3 and the age at which I have bought them a tablet has lowered each time.  From 8 yrs for my eldest to 3 years for my youngest. 

I think its because I am more confident now with the technology and can see a massive educational benefit as well as a distraction benefit i.e when on a long journey.

I have always put on the parental locks and have gone with the amazon kindle as it is the cheapest option and rather sturdy.

[wrrrrmrrr]

Parental control is most important.  But not online one. I just watch my girl while she uses our tablet. She has an access for 30 minutes a day and sometimes she doesn't even want to use it. We entertain her in traditional ways.

[Twakeley87]

To some extent, it is good for their development and in this modern era, being savvy with technology is imprtant. I would choose a tablet with User friendly settings and with good parental controls.

[sabinamakda]

well i got 2 girls. Ones is 3 and the other is 10 who is autistic. Tablet is her life without it she has anxiety in new social situation or environment. She has a Tab A Galaxy Samsung. Good size and light weight and watches repeats on YouTube like sooty, rainbow & peppa pig. so it's fine I reckon  as long as she is not getting eye strain.

 however my other little girl age 3 behaviour was getting worse and very naughty from watching other kids on YouTube. so I had to restrict her time on the tablet. So I guess it depends on the child and how it affects them. How they use it factors into it. Safety concerns- they have to be in the same room with another adult eg, mum  with the tablet so we know what they watching at all times. 

[Maggie_Rose]

Technology is neutral - it's only good or bad if you make it that way. Kids should be allowed to use technology early on but they should be supervised.

[George Robertson]

Well I find that as long as the appropriate software to protect my kids that with hand eye co-ordination being amazing and the access to learned knowledge.

[RA_Jennings]

We bought a cheap and cheerful Tesco Hudl when our eldest boy was two years old. He watched bbc iplayer and youtube and played a few simple toddler games. We upgraded to a Lenovo 10" tablet for the hd screen and higher spec but still at the budget end. The eldest (now seven) plays a lot of games on it and watches youtube. All our devices use the same youtube account so we can keep an eye on what's being watched.

Our youngest (two years old) still uses the old Hudl for Youtube and as its battery life is now only about 30 minutes, it has a built-in time limiter and one that he cheerfully accepts! He's constantly surprising the staff at his nursery with his knowledge of geometry as he loves videos about shapes and colours. 

Like most things in life, a bit of common sense and a little research should keep things under control. Oh, and for kids, I wouldn't spend more than £130 for a tablet.

[Chockie67]

I think Its up to the Individual parent as they know their child better than anyone else, so If a child wants a phone parents can add an app to see where they are, I dont believe In spending a fortune for the latest phone as they all do the same to me

[martin83]

My 6 year old has had to use a tablet for school homework for 2 years now.  my kids are 2 3 and 6 and they can use my phone to play games on long car journeys, for 15 minutes in the morning before we all get up out of bed and sometimnes when we are waiting or queuing for something.

They are not allowed any games where they interact with other people and we try to encourage educational games like doctor games or word puzzle games.  Having said that I am looking into getting a couple of tablets for the summer when we will be doing a lot of travelling

[Rob e]

As well as choosing one with good child filters (either built in or apps etc), one with a high resolution is suitable as the kids will be looking at it whether for a long time or intensely (ie playing games)

[JB0609]

I don't have children of my own but with multiple nieces and nephews I have lots of experience. My youngest nephew is 18 months old - he can unlock an ipad, access apps and put on videos and games. While I believe all children should have access to the internet as it can be a great source of knowledge and assist greatly with learning, school and homework etc it needs to be strictly controlled and monitored. In this modern world inappropriate materials are often just a click away and if parents/guardians do not have strict procedures in place with regards to times, content etc they are leaving their children wide open and in a very vulnerable position.

Apple, Samsung and Amazon all offer excellent parental controls, usage limits, purchase controls etc but ultimately is is the parent who needs to do the most to ensure their children are safe online.