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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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.
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21. The winner’s name will be available 28 days after closing date by emailing the following address: [[email protected]]
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]

[Rachel S]

When they become curious about the world and eager to learn 

[krog]

There needs to be a balance between young children's use of technology and other activities. Parents too need to curb their own use if it's at the expense of communicating with their children.  I see some toddlers with delayed speech development due to this.

[greig spencer]

look online for reviews and recommendations from friends too 

[ammaline]

I think in this day and age children need access to technology early on to prepare them for the modern world. This shouldn't be at the expense of other activities though like getting outside or playing with toys. I limit the amount of screen time my kids have and make them use their gadgets in the lounge so I can keep an eye on what they're doing.

[Megan Williams]

As technology is such a massive part of life now I think it is important to let children access it at an early age. I don't think they should just be left alone with a tablet or phone out of convenience for parents though and believe that technology can be used for educational purposes as well as to let younger children have fun. 

[carol boffey]

kids grow to fast they dont play outside like we did

[Gurvindersingh]

The rate that technology changes now and advances in technology, it is important that children grasp it early - This will give them a good insight how things work in the current day and age.  I would not recommend unsupervised use of technology where they could be exposed to threats and with the growing use of social media, educate the kids and show them how to use technology as they grow up.  Put restrictions in place and change these often as they become more aware of how technology is important but also how it can be a threat if not used correctly.

[JoG1]

If parental controls are on and you have rules as to when the Children can use it then I don't see the problem.  Talk to your Children and check the tablet/phone regularly.  Unfortunately we are not going to stop our Children but we can educate them along side their school.   I remember when my youngest was a toddler I was concerned she was watching to much CBeebies - oh to go back to those days!! Now all they seem to do is watch other family's make a noise on you tube!! Its another one of those things which is OK in moderation!! 

[magiksen]

From a very young age, my daughter was showing me how to use my phone. She'd figured out different things I hadn't even figured out! She was about 2.

That's what made me think, I really need to read up on this and make sure I do everything I can to make sure the technology she has access to is safe and protected. Now my daughter is 8, she likes going on her tablet but luckily, she also really likes reading books, drawing, writing, playing in the garden and with her toys. As long as interests are varied and they're not glued to their tablet for hours and hours, I think it's fine! 

[marjoriedior]

Working in a school we are well aware of the positives and negatives of screen time. My personal thoughts are that as long as parents are monitoring then it’s their choice but that we would recommend not using good two hours before bedtime! 

[jcyclops]

I found those tablets purpose built for kids were great for pre-school, and about the age of 4 they could borrow a parent's for some things. They got their own tablets when they asked for one (the Christmas after their 5th Birthday), but so far they have no interest in smartphones!!

[Sheri Darby]

Sadly tablets and PCs are essential for so much school work from early primary onwards, but it is essential that adequate parental controls are in use

[ScaniaWife]

I never had this issue as computers were still in infancy when my children were small, but all too often today we seem to see children given a screen to look at as a way of keeping them quiet when out shopping/ for a meal etc.  But if I did have to make the choice I would certainly limit the time on the tablet/screen and ensure that the parental controls were set. 

Are we going to find that the art of conversation has completely disappeared with future generations and that language will no longer be taught in schools as everyone 'text' speaks!

[Hafizur Meah]

I put parental controls so a niece nephew child or grandchild won't be able to access websites for adults only or for gambling and gaming and adult entertainment

[Dogrose64]

i think it important for kids to have access to technology from school age but i think it needs to be limited so they do other activitys also, because when they get to teenage years they will be glued to it

[Ghostpops]

Our eldest has had a tablet since 5 (he's now 7) but is restricted to 30mins at a time unless its a long train or car journey. We try and find a balance between the tablet and other activities: he loves drawing and reading books so we try and nurture that as much as possible and the best way I've found to do that is by joining in, it maintains the motivation. 

People say that its a digital age now and yes, I agree it is, children are taught to use computers right from starting school and even at nursery. But there has to be a line somewhere; just because it is a digital age does not mean that everything therefore must be done with a computer. There are skills to be learned that a tablet cannot teach, and can in fact sometimes undermine, such as how to express yourself; empathy; communicating with others; developing your imagination. Its just finding a balance - and also having the discipline in yourself as a parent to not take the tablet or computer as the easy way to keep a child entertained. Yes, we're all busy but these moments we take to be with our children will mean something later in life.

[Samantha Davis]

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I believe it's extremely important for children to have and be using the most recent technology especially when schools use iPads now , my 8 & 9 year old have there own iPads since the ages of 5 year of age , always keep a close eye on what they are using it for I have restrictions on and limit screen times to 30mins a day, my 12month old loves trying to swipe my phone so guessing he's already begun & this will all be a normal item in the house as most games we buy are extremely educational 

[MEMOI]

As soon as they're old enough to use it - as long as it's regulated use and time controlled.  They should not walk along the street using it and not look where they're going - i.e. not following their parents example!

[mattdg]

Be vigilant - but my experience is less about control and more about communication. I asked me kids as they aged what they were up to - showing a genuine interest and until about 14-15 they were more than happy to share and show me 🙂

hope this helps 

[ems07957]

I think it is important for children of any age to use technology and it has advantages from a young age as long as there are parental controls used and there are limits placed on the amount of time they are used for.

[Vicki Hurrell]

I think it's great for kids to be using tech, they're going to grow up with it surrounding them so why not! As long as theyre supervised and age restricted to certain content. 

[Recycledteenager]

Its finding the right balance.  While technology has given us instant access to a world of information that my generation would have had to make a trip to the library for there are well publicized downsides.  I hate seeing tech used as a childminder and I think we are starting to the results with kids having difficulty with normal social interactions, difficulty focusing or having to put effort into a project, and expecting things in the real world to happen instantaneously at the click of a button as they're used to in the online environment.

[Victoria Prince]

I think it's a really difficult one, and something I struggle with. I don't really know what the answer is, I would say maybe about school age (so 4 or 5) but very limited and well controlled by the parents.

I think the most crucial thing is balance - yes let children have access to technology, but don't let it replace the crucial things like imaginative play and outdoor games, especially the younger they are

[scaryspice]

I would like to see technology not given to children until 4 or 5 years of age - they need to read books and things first. 

I know we're in a digital age but too much too young impacts on their health - children should be outside having fun and playing in puddles like we used to when we were children.

[Marta Lewanska]

Children can use technology quite early,I think,even 3-4 year olds,but I think it should be very limited,like weekends only.