If you’re spending the weekend playing with your new iPad and considering handing down your old device to your children, you’re not alone! According to a recent PBS KIDSsurvey, nearly a quarter of parents of 2–10 year olds find a second life for their personal tech devices by handing them down to their kids.
Multi-iPad families are becoming the norm, but how do we keep kids safe when using the tablets?
Before putting any interactive device into kids’ hands as you upgrade to newer versions, prep your technology for your kids by doing the following:
- Sweep it: All devices should be cleaned of any content including personal files, credit card information, etc. before handing down to kids. Parents should swipe all their browser “cookies” and perform an application sweep.
- Secure it: There are parental controls on most tech devices that can turn certain features on and off. Settings on the iPhone, for example, that can be restricted include explicit song titles, Internet browser, YouTube, iTunes and the camera.
- Set limits: As with any new toy, parents should set expectations and limitations with their kids when the device is handed down, and should encourage other forms of learning and play beyond the screen.
- Find the right apps for your child: A good app is the perfect combination of education and entertainment, and should be appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development.
- Avoid apps that try to sell: Apps labeled “lite” or “free” often attempt to make money by trying to sell virtual items while a child is playing a game, or link to another related app that requires payment to download. Select apps from trusted, reliable sources, and make sure that they are not trying to market to your child.
I received the above tips from PBS KIDS and do serve as a PBS KIDS VIP but was not required to share them as part of my involvement in the program.
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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
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