If you’re wondering whether an iPad is a smart choice for your child, you’re not alone. The iPad is one of the most popular tablets for kids thanks to its portability, educational apps, and long battery life — but it also comes with important considerations.
After all, with all the talk about the dangers of too much screen time, it can be hard to know if a tablet is the right choice for your kid. This guide will walk you through the pros and cons of iPads for kids, how to choose the best one, and how to set up an iPad with parental controls to ensure your child’s safety online.
Pros of an iPads for kids
Educational value: There is a plethora of educational content available for iPads, both in the form of passive learning (such as shows and audiobooks) as well as interactive apps.
Creativity: From music-making to drawing to animation, there’s no shortage of apps that foster creativity and provide your child with the opportunity to express themselves.
Entertainment on the go: Ideal for long car rides, flights, or waiting rooms.
Positive reinforcement: When implemented thoughtfully, rewards systems (such as earning tablet time) can be an effective parenting tool.
Family connection: Apps like Facetime and Messenger Kids can help children stay in touch with family living far away.
Cons of giving a kid an iPad
Excessive screen time: Experts caution that excessive screen time may lead to problems in social-emotional development and contribute to certain behavior problems. Plus, when parents overuse devices to entertain their children, kids miss out on the benefits of boredom.
Exposure to inappropriate content: Without safeguards, kids can stumble onto harmful material, including explicit images and violent videos.
Limited physical activity: iPads provide a limited sensory environment and no physical exertion. Extended use means less time spent moving or socializing offline.
Risk of addictive behavior: Not all apps are created equal, and many labeled as educational have little to no such benefit.
Privacy and data concerns: Many apps track behavior or serve ads based on activity.
Why do you want an iPad for kids?
As you decide if you should get your kid an iPad, one of the first things to do is to think about why you’re considering it and how you envision it being used.
Perhaps you’re looking for an easy-to-transport distraction for long car rides. Maybe you’re interested in educational apps for their enrichment potential. Or maybe you’re keen to make sure your child keeps up with their tech-savvy peers.
Identifying your motivation for getting a tablet for kids can help frame your decision as you weigh the pros and cons.
Questions to ask yourself before you get an iPad for your kid
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no devices for children younger than 2, with the exception of video chatting. Even if your child is old enough, that doesn’t necessarily mean an iPad is right for them.
Here are some questions to ask yourself aside from age:
Is my child able to follow rules and respect limits?
Will my child tell me if they come across inappropriate content?
Am I prepared to set (and maintain) rules and limits for iPad use?
What’s the best iPad for kids?
If you're ready to purchase, here are popular options parents often choose:
iPad (10th Gen): A great all-around option for school and play.
iPad Mini: Compact and lightweight, ideal for smaller hands.
iPad Air: More powerful for older kids who might use it for school projects or video editing.
iPad + Kid-Friendly Case: Whatever model you choose, invest in a shockproof case to protect the device.
Tip: Refurbished iPads from Apple can be a great way to save money without sacrificing quality.
How to set up an iPad for kids
Once you’ve chosen a device, here’s how to make it safer:
1. Create an Apple ID for your child
Use Apple Family Sharing to set up an account for your child. This allows you to manage their settings and monitor usage.
Free users get summaries of your child’s texts for context without overreading.
Protection Plus users unlock real-time message processing and deleted texts.
You can also monitor Google, YouTube, and social media.
While it’s always a good idea to maintain some level of supervision over your child’s iPad time, a child safety app like BrightCanary is an excellent complement to your watchful eye.
Establishing rules for iPad use
It’s best to set rules around iPad use from the very beginning. Be clear with your child about expectations and if there are consequences for not following them.
The rules you set will depend on what’s right for your family, but here are some to consider:
Time limits: Decide how much iPad time is permitted each day and if that limit is the same on weekends and school breaks.
When is iPad use allowed? Do you want iPad use to be at the same time each day, or can it vary? Are there times when screens are off-limits? Do you expect your child to do chores or homework before using their device?
Device-free zones: Many families designate device-free zones, such as no devices in bedrooms to facilitate parental supervision. Or perhaps the dining table or family room are off-limits to encourage bonding time in these spaces.
Content expectations: You might establish a designated list of apps and websites that your child can choose from, or a set of no-gos. Alternately, some parents expect their child to check in each time before using the iPad.
Once you’ve established your family’s rules around iPad use, consider writing it into a digital device contract.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best iPad for kids?
The standard iPad (10th Gen) is a great balance of affordability and features. The iPad Mini is better for smaller hands, while older kids might benefit from the iPad Air.
How do I set up parental controls on an iPad?
Go to Settings > Screen Time to create limits on app usage, content restrictions, and communication safety settings. You can also use BrightCanary for more detailed monitoring.
What age is appropriate for a kid to have an iPad?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limited screen time for kids under 5 and no personal devices under age 2. Most experts suggest waiting until at least age 6 or 7.
The bottom line
It’s important that parents consider both the pros and the cons before getting their child an iPad and establish clear expectations around its use. A tablet is a connected device, and as such, it can expose your child to the entire world of the internet.
Parental control settings and monitoring apps can help give you peace of mind — and set a safety net for your child’s online experience. For the most comprehensive monitoring on Apple devices, including iPads for kids, you need BrightCanary. Get started for free today.
