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: 

Read more

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.
16. The promoter will notify the winner when and where the prize can be collected / is delivered.
17. The promoter’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
18. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions.
19. The competition and these terms and conditions will be governed by English law and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England.
20. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current UK data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
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]

[Peter Ogg]

As long as the appropriate controls are in place there should be no lower age limit. Its a bit like some parents used to teach their children to recognise letters and numbers or even read before they went to school. Technology is in a lot of schools now, tablets, laptops and interactive boards, so nothing wrong with giving your child a head start.

[Saylem]

I don't have children yet but I don't think they should have access to things like phones and tablets.  I grew up outdoors and now as an adult, I love to spend most of my time outside be it exercising or a slow amble where I can enjoy nature. I think we should be encouraging our children to play outside and stay active - especially with the growing obesity crisis in our country.

[Jayne Townson]

I think it all depends on each child and what technology it is and what it's being used for. I personally don't think children should have their own phone until they are 10 years old. However things like Kindles and tablets can actually be great learning tools if used with parental supervision, therefore in my opinion, can be used safely from about age 4. 

[redgirl73]

My 3 year old uses my ipad, i've deleted all the apps except a couple of educational ones and children's youtube.  This is ad free and videos solely for children.  

He uses it for nursery rhymes, learning shapes, alphabet, numbers etc.  

He's picked it up very quickly and can now read, sound and write on his own.  He watches it around 1 hour a day, but is always excited to pick up a book, or his crayons and start writing on his own.

At nursery he uses a giant touch screen TV, so he's confident in using new technology.

Bedtimes and at the dinner are strictly a technology free zone!

[Paddington18]

I think it's inevitable that they'll be exposed at school so I want them to be prepared.  However, I think it's vital that the 'Is it real?' question is tackled often so that they understand the difference between the life someone shows on social media and their 'real life'.

[Clare mcg]

My kids are 10 and 8 now and have had access to a tablet from they were young. I’ve found them invaluable from an education prospective. Yes they have some fun apps on it but mostly educational ones . I’ve used these apps as a reward at the end of homework or to give some light relief like learning their spellings homework on an app. 

I do have to restrict YouTube though , who knew watching people unbox things could be so mesmerising!

[Mark Johnson]

Interc=action with tetchnology is growing part of our lives, so need to make sure that children grow up with it, whilst setting usefull boundaries.

[becks213]

My daughter is 8 and uses technology regularly as there is no escape from it, she even uses tablets at school. As long as she is safe and I am monitoring what she is using the technology for then I am happy for her to use it for entertainment and for her education and I think they are a great tool to have to assist with her learning too! 🙂 

[Robt7]

Our household is split, my wife does not want the kids (4,6&7) having access to any technology and to enjoy life without, where as I would like them fully emerged and not afraid of technology.

So we have agreed with suprevised use only, and started last week showing them how to use various items of technology. 

[Ben Houghton 1985]

I get my kids to try out the tablets themselves so they know what's best for them.

[Lisylou]

I think tablets are great for children, but only if they are used in the right way, for the right things, and are not used too young. I have seen things like potties and cots with built in tablets and it seems completely insane to me and way over the top. Let them be children for at least a little bit first.

[Swamination]

The article suggests many good and important points. A tablet is a tool. The content on it is the source of building or tearing down. If you hand a tool to a child, you have to consider what impact that tool can have on them. It is important to learn while unplugged from tech, so oviously there is a balance to be had both in time and content, yet the use of electronics can be an engaging way to engage and pace learning in a positive way. Depending on the age, "best tablet" is relative. With children, a tablet's durability is important, so a solid framing case is a good investment. Good dust/water resistance is helpful as well. A clear screen with capacitive touch is mostly the norm (cheap resistive touchscreens are mostly a thing of the past). From a software standpoint, parental controls to limit which apps are accessible to the child as well as controls to limit how much time they can use the device are key features for most modern mobile OSes. A difficult transition is when children grow into an age where research is required. Once they need a browser to do open research, it becomes much more difficult to monitor and protect against unwanted and/or offensive content. Third party tools such as DNS filters or locked-down browsers can be helpful in limiting access. Microsoft Family Safety and OpenDNS are examples of such services.

[TechG]

The best tablet for kids is one with no parental controls, which is only used under direct and constant supervision.

None of these controls work. They are only a "best guess" by a black box algorithm - and if your unsupervised child inevitably comes across something without you there to support them it can be distressing and shaming for them.

Supervising your child lets you be there to support them and explain things to them when 'difficult' content turns up, it allows you to help them when they get stuck, and it allows you to manage both their time and activities - the latter to protect them from manipulation and malicious miseducation.

Unsupervised internet access should be something that is only phased in gradually as your child learns to handle difficult situations, understands the dangers (both in terms of predators, and in terms of predatory business practices like Facebook) of sharing information on the internet, and you have successfully developed trust in their ability to handle all these things.

Tossing children in at the deep end because "Parental controls will protect them" is the worst of all possible approaches, and the existence of these deeply flawed technologies is misleading and damaging.

[Kelly Hemmings]

I think it’s good to start kids using technology from around age 4+. As long as time on a device is very limited, educational & monitored.

Technology is used in so many ways now I personally think it can only be a good thing that they learn from primary school age!

[Lexy Law]

Should be supervised and limited screen time. I’m guilty of spending too much time on my phone so I make an effort to get me and the kids outside but technology is part if everyday life 

[Lilmamma]

I am on the cautious side in the younger years and try not to let them have a device for any prolonged period until at less four, then very limited screen time in the younger years with supervision and parental controls.

As they grow encouraging an active non screen based hobbies ie swimming, running and ensuring cyber awareness and positive use of technology I don’t limit screen time. We live in a technical world.

[Rb36]

Personally, I think tablets should only be used with an adult, as an activity much like reading a book or any other game, until the child is 6-7 and then only with parental control on. I  am afraid that the quick gratification of technology stifles creativity however realize that this is an important part of our life today. Of course yet to see whether we'll follow our own advice with our son and he is still too young to care about tablets for a little while yet!

[Jenhegarty]

Most children will have their first tablet experiences via their parents’ devices, certainly in my case as a means to grab a bit more sleep in the early mornings. Not my finest parenting moments but better than being a total zombie that day.

my oldest is not quite 3 so I’m not thinking about getting one for him just yet, perhaps when he’s 4-5 but ideally older.

when I do, I’ll be thinking about functionality first - no point buying an iPad for a child when they don’t need all the bells and whistles. Then making sure security settings are top notch. Then, finally, having strict limits on when they can use the devise and for how long.

[Zoe Andrews]

about age 8 when they can start using them for homework

[claire g1234]

I think children should have access to technology as soon as they are able as it provides so much opporunties now a days however i feel that they need to be supervised and have things like parental control etc

[Thomas L]

To put it simply, at an early age but with time limited access.

[James Travis]

IOt is vital children learn and have access to technology in the current economic climate. But access needs to be controlled and supervised while they are young.

[Vickie Childs]

My daughter is 4 coming up to 5 next month and I've very much been deliberating over this matter . I would like her to have a childhood like mine and go outside and play but this is an unrealistic aim in this day and age, she already borrows my phone to play on games and goes on her grandparents ipads to play games as well, so no doubt I will probably buy her one in the near future but only allow her on it for short periods of time so she can at least go outside and play some of the time

[Amy Butler]

It's hard to know which tablet to buy for your kids, we decided to buy an ipad for our daughter when she was around 7 but I kind of regret it now because apple products are so overpriced. Parental controls are important and also setting a time limit