Are Tablets Good or Bad for Kids?

Every parent seeks out ways to keep their children occupied independently, whether it’s to get a few things done or just enjoy a momentary breather from active parenting. Naturally, handing them a tablet to play games, watch movies or do something creative seems like a go-to option when we need our kids to keep busy. However, as we learn more about the impact of too much screentime on kids, it begs a question: are tablets good or bad for kids? That answer depends on a few different considerations.

Kids have been kept occupied by looking at screens while playing arcade games, video games and watching television for decades now, so how could a tablet be much different?

If you’re a smartphone or tablet user, you probably know what a struggle it can be to put your device down and tune into the world around you when you have the entire internet at your fingertips. Between messaging, social media, checking email on the go and endless streams of videos to watch, the addiction to handheld screens is very real, and that’s just speaking for adults. It can be more difficult to set boundaries and guidelines on a device with such broad access to information and media, compared to TV and gaming.

If you’re hesitant to introduce tech to your kids, you might turn to the myriad of other educational toys and games that can keep them independently occupied while providing developmental opportunities. But you don’t have to completely throw out the idea of letting your kids use a tablet if you’re still on the fence.

Guiding kids through using a tablet for the first time

Yes, handheld tech can be addictive, but that doesn’t mean that greenlighting tablets for kids to use is a bad idea. In fact, tablets can have more educational value than their viewing and gaming predecessors if you’re intentional about it. First, you’ll want to consider some other questions that are actually quite similar to setting boundaries around TV and video games: How long should a child be on a tablet, and what is the appropriate screen time by age? What kinds of activities will they use it for? How closely do you plan to supervise?

There’s no perfect age to introduce new technology, but most experts agree that it’s best to wait until after at least age two when introducing a tablet to your child. Some even suggest waiting until four or five.See Disclosure ¹

Once you’ve decided you’re comfortable letting your kids get acquainted with a tablet, you’ll have several different options for the kinds of tablets you give them access to, depending on their age. For instance, maybe you’re deciding between a tablet vs. and e-reader. An older kid might do better with an e-reader, whereas a younger child is probably better off with the tactile experience of a real book.

What to look for when buying a tablet for kids

There are certain features, capabilities and even limitations you should look for in a tablet depending on the age of the user. These can make all the difference in the effects of tablet use on a child.

Best tablets for younger kids

For kids around ages 2 to 5, the more limited the better. Since the brain is still developing, a child this young doesn’t need much access, if any, to a tablet or smartphone. However, for parents who do decide to introduce their kids to a tablet at this age range, using a dedicated tablet designed for kids is ideal, since you can keep parental controls turned on and limit what can be done on it. Usually, the best learning tablets come with pre-installed education games and activities. Plus, they’re built to withstand being dropped, lugged around and even spilled on with liquids and foods without ruining it. You can also purchase kids tablet accessories to customize yours.

Best tablets for older kids

Kids age 10 and up will probably find their way to handheld tech whether you give them permission or not, since it’s so pervasive. Chances are, they’ll have a friend who introduces them to one, in which case you may lose out on a valuable chance to instill good boundaries and habits in them surrounding their use of these devices. By giving them the best tablet for 10-12 year olds, you can make sure their activities are age-appropriate, teach them to build trust and give them the freedom to develop their tech skills. They’re likely to enjoy the device for both education and entertainment—with appropriate parental controls on, of course. Equip it with tablet accessories to keep it safe from drops and while being toted around.

If your kids simply want to play games on a portable device like a tablet but you still want to keep them away from the broader internet, you might consider a handheld gaming device instead.

Best drawing tablets

There are also tablets for digital drawing and illustration, complete with a digital stylus pen. While many of these are professional-grade, there are still plenty of options for a budding young artist. Older kids who have their mind set on a career as an illustrator or designer might deeply benefit from picking up some digital drawing skills. For a good children’s drawing tablet, looking for a simple and easy-to-use model is your best bet for getting the skills under their belt.

Giving kids tablets can be a good family learning experience

When you give kids access to technology, a lot of anxieties will probably come up for you. However, it can also provide trust-building and bonding for families with kids who are learning to respect boundaries and build their independence. Knowing that you have ultimate control over how, when or even whether your kid uses a device like a tablet can help ease your mind while you give your kids a new level of enrichment.

References

1. Marvin, Rob. “How Old Should Kids Be When They Get Their Own Digital Devices?” PC Magazine, Ziff Davis, LLC. December 30, 2019. https://www.pcmag.com/news/how-old-should-kids-be-when-they-get-their-own-digital-devices.