Kids love electronics and it seems like most of them are becoming interested in tablets at a younger age.
Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see toddlers with iPads and tablets and while some people might find this absurd, others say tablets are a great investment for children.
Here are some things to consider before deciding if you will or will not be purchasing a tablet for your child or children this Christmas.
Age
Tablets can be used by children of all ages, but some tablets are better for younger children while others are better for older children. Toddlers will enjoy tablets that seem more like toys, while older children will want tablets that can do more adults things, such as browse the Internet, download music and use apps. You may also want to consider buying a tablet that will grow with your child and will be able to be used for several years.
The new kid-proof Fire tablet has a 2-year guarantee and comes in blue or green. #GiftSmart http://t.co/MToRNy8zxb pic.twitter.com/FoSJ9aa1qJ
— RadioShack (@RadioShack) November 18, 2014
Cost
Although you usually get what you pay for, if you are thinking about buying a tablet for a young child, you might want to go with a cheaper option. Kids are hard on electronics, and the last thing you want is for your toddler to crack the screen of a $500 iPad a few days after he gets it. You can buy cases and screen protectors to help protect the device, but kids have a way of getting around these thing as well.
According to @eMarketer, 2-5 year olds use tablets more than teens! http://t.co/wAxVTb8jyX pic.twitter.com/8pvSAdCYNI
— Vessel (@vesselio) November 5, 2014
Usability
Kids can surprise you with what they know and how fast they can learn, but some tablets can be too complicated for them to figure out. If your child can’t figure out how to use a tablet quickly, she is far less likely to play with it or continue to try to use it. If you don’t want to waste your money on a tablet your child can’t enjoy, make sure you choose one your child will understand.
Tablets are expensive, but if you choose the right one for your child, they can be well worth the money. Take your time when deciding what tablet to purchase for your child and consider all of the points above.