I think kids can learn a lot from iPads !
But iPads are not good for all kids.
I have a now 10yr old with kleptomania in the context of RAD and she breaks into computers, steals phones & iPads and missuses them overnight. She threw her own iPad once on the floor when angry and broke it and we never have renewed it.
However my 6yr old has Down Syndrome and she has an iPad since she was 2yrs old ! Initially it was great for her motor skills and cognitive skills, later we started using it more for signing apps and communication apps. Nowadays she loves to watch video’s and sings along with songs which is great for her speech. Also drawing apps are great for her motor skills and lots of other educational apps help her learning.

Against

I think kids have access to these items way too young nowadays. I would maybe let them use a family iPad, but wouldn’t buy them their own

My 4 year old daughter has one, but only because Daddy wanted a new one, so the old one went to her. Daddy has loaded a lot of educational games, and its good for her to play when I am feeding the newborn. She loves it. But like anything, we control how much time she spends on it.

It really depends on their age.
Ipads are not cheap & kids are kids, there are going to be accidents!
You can buy cheaper tablets that are designed for children which I personally think is a better option.

they love it. its the way of the future

We’re in the techno era and they do need to keep up, can’t see anything wrong with it myself.

I have a 4 year old and 9 year old. We have a family Ipad that they use mostly. My 4 year old has been Ipad savvy since he was around 2yrs old and it’s amazing what he can do. My 9 yr old has taught him how to use youtube to watch video tutorials of how to get pass playstation games levels if he gets stuck or doesnt know what to do. They have heaps of educational games on the ipad that has started teaching my 4 yr old how to read, write and count. We still give him pencils, crayons, colouring in pencil etc for actual writting and drawing and often sit down with him to do more learning. Ipads in moderation are fine for kids and actually help their brain develop. In this modernised world it’s a necessity these days for children to learn different forms of technology.

I brought my self one which my daughter has taken over. I think they are a great learning tool if used correctly.

it is fine!

there are heaps of free apps

i recommend to be near and supervise so that they don’t walk around, and drop it. you can buy “kid covers” that are rubbery and help with protecting it. ($10-$15)

set your parental controls on the apps and internet access

I think an iPad for some children is a great idea especially if you can get some learning apps on there but I would have it as a family iPad and allow them to ‘earn’ time to have fun on there. I would make sure it stays at home and not go to school etc.

my daughter is four and had one at her kinder when she first started going now she wants one and we are going to get her one for xmas. you will find most schools and kinders have them now

Depends on age and the amount of responsibility you think they can handle. Kids are kids so you can’t expect them not to break or damage it.

Our 4yr old has his own Samsung Galaxy Tablet and it has been great in so many ways. He has improved with his dexterity, grammar and it is fantastic for long car rides. We have loaded learning games onto it, with a couple Angry Birds (I think it is a problem solving type of game) and also a couple of movies for the drives.

i think we live in a technological world now- its a big part of life and computer skills are needed. Even my husband who is in construction cant further his career without now going to do computer courses. i think giving them an ipad and allowing them to play educational games is a fantastic idea!! (obviously not all the time) i have an 18month old and she uses ours- she does it all herself and can now move all numbers 1-10 into the right order.

It’s fine, but it is really expensive and you need be very careful with apps. You need to make sure that what they download is suitable and not costing you a fortune. I have one that I let my children use, that way I have total control. As with everything moderation is the key.

I prefer that they think the ipads mine and they get to have small usage tkmes on it for some activities, then it comes back to me. That way its controlled use

My autistic son has his own I pad. It is mainly used at home or on long public transport trips as I don\’t drive. He has learning apps and select games on it. It has been a lifesaver on occasions

Some interesting answers and things to take into consideration. I suppose they’re just a different type of learning tool that incorporates a bit of fun. If it’s hooked up to WiFi at home should it be used on a table or something similar? Is there any worry like with a mobile? Sorry to sound like I don’t have a clue…. but I don’t. :/

I think they are great both my kids have one, 11yr old has Ipad Air & 4yr old has the Ipad mini but as with all things -good in moderation!