Though your nostalgic childhood memories are full of days spent outside using your imagination to go on adventures, things have undoubtedly changed since then.
In the era of technology, kids are playing more and more through screens. These can be great creative and educational outlets!
However, technology can also have its downsides, from staring at screens to the dangers of the internet. If you plan on giving your child a table, you’ll need to set it up first.
If you’re unsure what you should do when setting up a tablet for kids, continue reading to learn crucial tips and tricks for keeping your kid safe.
Choosing a Device
Before you can start setting up a device, you’ll need to find the best tablet for kids. There are many options to choose from, varying in quality, price, and features.
While iPads, Kindles, and Galaxies are all great options for older kids, as they can grow up to use these for both entertainment and productivity, there are also specific tablet computers for kids.
Like the Totspot app, these tablets are designed with kids in mind and are typically based on education. Easy to navigate and full of colors, young kids will love playing with these.
It’s vital to think about what the intended use is. For example, while an iPad may not be great for a toddler, an older child won’t get much benefit from their old tablet designed for kids under five.
Keeping It Protected
Next, you’ll need to protect the device. Kids are clumsy, and accidents are bound to happen. Keeping even cheap tablets for kids shielded can help reduce damages, cracks, and breaks.
You’ll want to invest in a quality case that completely covers the hardware. This will help absorb shocks from bumps and falls. Similarly, the case should have a lip that prevents the screen from touching a surface.
Many tablet covers for kids are colorful and feature fun drawings, perfect for children. However, these may not always be the most protective.
While a case can help prevent damage to the screen, you should also purchase and install a screen protector on the surface. This helps prevent scratches and nicks on the screen.
Setting up Parental Controls
After choosing your tablet and getting the exterior in order, it’s time to set up the parental controls. The process will vary depending on the brand you choose, but they’re vital nonetheless.
Generally, most parental controls center around internet access. Though helpful, the internet can be scary—full of explicit content, disturbing stories, and other material children shouldn’t be exposed to.
You’ll want to set limits on internet access, whether this is barring your child from accessing the internet at all or setting up filters to prevent adult websites from showing up during searches.
Similarly, you should set up controls for app purchases and other privacy and location settings to protect your child.
Installing Apps
Once you have the parental control set up, you can install apps for your child. These can vary from games to video apps. It’s essential to have fun, educational, and creative games and apps on the device.
There are plenty of storytelling apps to help expose children to literature and history in a fun, abridged way. Similarly, some apps teach math or science disguised as fun games.
Other apps focus more on creativity, like coloring games or games that encourage the child to create their own worlds.
You may also want to consider installing a kid-safe video hosting platform like Youtube Kids or PBSKids.
Screen Time Limits
Even though you’ve just loaded up your child’s table with excellent apps, you’ll want to limit how much screen time per day they can have. This is vital for several reasons.
When kids have unlimited screen time, they can quickly become sucked into games and videos. Placing restrictions prevents them from spending time with friends and family!
Also, too much time spent on devices can limit how much physical activity kids get. Not only is it essential to their physical health, but playing outside can help their mental health too.
Though it depends on your household, most recommend between one and two hours of screen time per day. You can set this to vary on weekends when children have more free time.
Use Passcodes
You must use passwords for screen time and parental controls. This is because children may change the settings independently without understanding why they’re there in the first place.
You can also add passcodes to apps, allowing you the chance to monitor when your child accesses them.
Older children may be able to guess the passcode, so be sure to select something memorable but challenging that they wouldn’t be able to think of.
Talk to Your Child
Once you’ve found and set up the best tablet for kids, you’ll want to have a conversation with your child or children about the device.
It’s important to stress that the device is a privilege, as they don’t need a tablet to survive. Kids need to understand that they are responsible for keeping it safe and be careful while using it.
Also, inform them of the restrictions and why you have chosen to limit selected functions.
Finally, you’ll want to take the time to show them how to use their new device! It’s exciting to have a fun tablet, so walk them through the controls, apps, and other important information.
Setting up a Tablet for Kids
Taking the time to set up and ensure your child’s tablet is safe is vital to protecting them. There’s tons of adult content lurking out there, and it is crucial to prevent kids from being exposed to it.
Whether you invest in an Android tablet for kids or choose something on the cheaper side, it’s an excellent chance for kids to practice responsibility.
Did you find this guide on setting up a tablet for kids informative? If so, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. There, you can find more great technology tips and tricks.
