As all parents will know it’s important to baby-proof your home as your child begins to move, but what about your technology? Kids today know that a swipe from left to right unlocks an iPad and that three taps opens Netflix, so how can you protect your devices and kids from each other?
You have a number of options, from purchasing a child-friendly tablet to buying the sturdiest cover known to man.
Child-friendly tablet
If you want to give your child their own tablet, I would recommend an 8.0-inch or 10.1-inch tablet and baby-proof it. It’s possible to get a cheap Android tablet that is sturdy enough to last more than a year.
Some suggestions:
- Alba 10-inch tablet €119.99, pictured above
- Go Tab 7" €99
- Lenovo Tab 3 Essential 7" €89.99
Each of these devices run Android and are very easy to set up and manage.
Security
When you give a child a tablet; be that their own device or pass them your one, there are certain steps you should take.
If the device is an Android device:
- Ensure you have a screen lock in place
- Set up a second user on the device and enable content filtering
- Password protect purchases - this will stop kids running up a huge bill in gaming apps
- Kids Place - Parental control app - parents select what functions work on the table
If it's an Apple device
- Turn on restrictions
- Disable YouTube
- Turn off in-app purchases
- Guided Access
Here are some other tips to ensure whatever device your child uses remains protected.
- Get a sturdy case: Otterbox are heavy duty and are fantastic. They have two layers; rubber and a shell. This means if the device is dropped, the case absorbs the shock and prevents breakage
- Screen protector: Tiny hands may be tiny, but can still do damage. Spend the money on a screen protector
- If remote controls have a tendency to go walkies thanks to the small people in your house, download a smart remote app, pair it with you TV and that ensures you can watch TV even if the remote has disappeared