More and more kids these days are making the switch from TVs and video games to consuming everything on tablets. While tablets are great, the personal nature of the device also makes it harder for parents to make sure their children are fulfilling their obligations before they start to play games or watch TV shows on Netflix. That’s where Amazon FreeTime comes in.

Amazon announced that its FreeTime app – an app that allows parents to control when and how their children use a Kindle Fire device – will soon be getting an educational shot in the arm. This update will allow parents to set educational goals that their children must complete before they’re allowed to play games or use other entertainment apps on the device.

“Kindle Fire is already the best tablet for kids and families—and now we’re making it even better,” said Peter Larsen, Vice President, Amazon Kindle. “We know kids spend a lot of time every day looking at screens, and we’re excited to add new tools that help parents make this time more educational. Parents can use features like ‘Learn First’ to ensure study comes before play and set daily educational goals for reading and learning. If you subscribe to FreeTime Unlimited, your kids will enjoy thousands of new educational books, apps, games and videos.”

Of course, edutainment doesn’t mean what it used to mean. Amazon wants parents to know that there’s plenty of content available in Kindle FreeTime that will make kids want to learn. Here’s what you will find:

Alongside all of the educational content, FreeTime will also be updated with two new features to make sure your kids are using the Kindle when you want them to:

On a final note, Amazon says that parents will soon be able to check out an eBook from a public library and then make it available to their children in FreeTime. Prime members who use the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library will be able to do the same.

If you want to learn more about FreeTime, check out Amazon’s landing page.

[Image: Amazon]