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..

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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]
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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.
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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

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12. The prize is as follows: Samsung Tab 5e
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[Chris McKendrick]

I think children should have access to technology early, given the huge role it plays in modern life. However, this shouldn't be at the expense of time spent in the 'real world', and needs to be supervised to ensure they aren't exposed to some of the content that is not meant for young minds!

[Deborah Mackenzie]

I think kids should have access to technology; but have parental controls in place. Time limits too.

I have a problem with them at meal times, even when eating out. That should be family time and talking. Even the parents should not have their phones/tablets at the table.

Using technology can benefit them in many ways by learning different things, but parents should monitor what they watch/play so it becomes a learning zone and not a way parents control their kids to keep them quiet.

[jlaw]

Amazon fire are ok but a bit slow, i tried a samsung and i would be happy using it.

[kayjay]

Honestly...I had a childhood.  I got to play, play with toys and technology really wasn't part of the equation.  I feel sorry for the children of today not getting to have that.

[Natasharox]

I think it's important for children to learn about technology, both to ensure they can be safe, but also as it's such an integral part of life now. It will make their lives easier as adults if they're comfortable with technology. 

That said, access should definitely be monitored by parents, and limited to ensure children have other experiences. 

[MillyYoungman]

I think different types of technology should be allowed at an early age. For example, I'd allow a tablet with no internet connection to watch videos or play games at a younger age, but no phone/internet until they're older - and even then, it needs to be supervised closely.

[Nicola Farrel]

The tech our children have access to is great. My girls love playing games, though they don't have their own tablets they enjoy what access they do have. I tend to limit how often and what they use it for. 

[Matthew Phillips]

I let my son start using a tablet, the kids version, when he was 5 years old. He is always supervised when using it so I am not worried about him seeing anything bad. I think it's great for teaching him how to do things and learning new stuff. Technology is an important part of life these days so the more they learn the better.

[emmfurn]

Difficult question as times have changed so much recently and technology a big part of life. Having said that, once children go to school, they will use computers to help their learning so as long as they are supervised and parental controls are in place I guess this is ok.  There are some fantastic games to help with maths/english etc. which really work so perhaps encourage children with these rather than messaging friends etc.

[CHRISTINE DENT]

Like most children these days, my grandchildren seem to be addicted to their tablets! I think the 'use of technolody' can be fun and educational, but parental control is extremely important and I think parent should lay down 'house rules' on how long the children can spend each day on their tablets/gaming etc.  It is important that children spend time on other activities, games, exercise and to be able to use their imagination and creativity by the use of other means. 

[MessyJ]

My boys are 3&4 and do not have their own tablets yet. They are able to use the family iPad which is fully child proofed with time limits. We find this works for us. 

[janine atkin]

technology is a huge part of life and i think children shuld be introduced to it as early as possible, but supervised

[Tim Holden]

Hard to judge. WIth our eldest he was probably about 5

[kathcake19]

When they're old enough to understand what it is an what it's used for. I'd let them watch tv/play games whilst I'm around but I wouldn't buy them their own till they're old enough

[Frank Davidson]

I try to get them to look for help with their homework in books in the library, by working with others or by asking. The education system seems to be geared towards getting people to work on their own which can be very isolating and doesn't teach them to work with others and taken to extremes can affect their socialisation - at one end they can become too solitary and unable or unwilling to enlist others for help the other too co-dependent. As far as ICT access goes that is limited to coding, homework, software application and media skills, and system integration. Everything is locked down, subnetted, firewalled, ACLed AFAIRP. I'd prefer more options for lockdown e.g. admin accounts, admin access to hosts file, Wi-Fi restricted and the like.

[Solange1]

Setting boundaries on the use of technology is important just in the same way as we set boundaries for children in every sense. Unlimited and unsupervised access to technology can be a portal to some very serious risks, including the impact on children’s mental health. This backs up every parent’s instinct; that children must be protected.

I have three young children and I do not allow them to have mobile phones, or access to these devices. Why do they need phones? They’re children.

I firmly believe that very young children don’t need to have access to social media at all. Social media is not designed for under-13s. It is often against the terms and conditions for children to be using these platforms.

[Bernie Ty]

I think kids need to learn to use all the modern technology and a tablet is great tool if used wisely. 

Parental controls and supervision def needed. 

[Mrs Rebecca Rowley]

My 5 year old has supervised access to technology for half an hour a day. She only plays on purple mash which is an educational programme provided by her school.

[Sunbob]

I think sadly technology in this day an age has become a staple and it’s reliance has become the norm..which personally I think could lead to danger... don’t get me wrong.. technology has its place in life but in moderation.

however I feel this techno society is damaging our children. And are introduced far too young.

kids are missing out on basic human skills, like interaction with other humans and are loosing the ability to think for themselves, and pen and paper are becoming a thing of the past with language and spelling, becoming abbreviated, they are more likely to understand The sentence: “ I C U L8tr” to the the proper wording. even the basic things like outside play, learning about the environment these kids are our future greatness comes from strong broad roots and children are heavily influenced by a societys hunger for the lastest gizmo and not a lot else.

so children do need basic techno skill and possibly starting late infancy once other basics have been mastered.. technology has its place, I would be stupid to deny it didn’t, But not domination! 

[Laura Wright]

Access should be planned, structured and limited - accessing material/apps etc which is a mixture between fun and learning but not so much that they miss out on being active and engaging in games etc with people in real life.  Devices need to have really effective and strong parental controls (which are not easy for kids to just switch off - they learn how to far to easily!) so they can be protected from unsuitable content and being contacted by strangers via games etc.

[Kat C]

They should be learning their way around tech as soon as possible, it's just imprtant to take breaks, and I don't allow any devices at bedtime!

[Rachel Butterworth]

I think you should definitely set time limits on how long your child uses their tablet/phone. My nephew who is 7, really has to be dragged away from his.

[Robert tapson]

As soon as they know right from wrong

[Soozybee]

from around 4 but heavily supervised

[Jill Sadler]

Not before they have interacted with people, can read, write, spell and are socailly confident.  Technology has its place when they are a little older but not because it convenient for parents.  Play with them instead.