Turning an Old iPad into an Ultimate Tablet for kids
A while back I got a new iPad & my old iPad 4 was just gathering dust. Selling this iPad in India would give me barely any money. So I decided to convert it into an ultimate tablet for my son. There were a few things that I had my mind on, locking it down from the open web, installing kid friendly apps & limiting usage during the day.
So I followed a few steps and decided to write about it here, Just incase anyone else wanted to do the same.
Step 1
Cover, Safety and Usability.
My first concern with my kid was keeping the iPad safe, knowing he is not so careful and gentle. So I decided to get a simple cover that had 360 degree protection, it had a stand and it had portrait orientation option too.
Step 2 Limiting the Volume
My son has no control over volume and like any parent it becomes difficult to keep it in check. Whether on the iPad speakers or the headphones there should be a limit to the volume so it does not damage his eardrums.
Step 3 Limit Usage of apps.
The most important concern of giving a child the iPad was access to open internet. I wanted to make sure he could use limited apps, not install new ones and definitely not browse the Internet. So in SETTINGS – GENERAL – RESTRICTIONS, I restricted the use of Safari, Siri, Airdrop, iTunes Store, Apple Music, installing apps, deleting apps, in-app purchases and store. In the same settings I put all allowed content to PG and 9+.
Step 4 Limiting Usage of iPad
A very important aspect of giving the iPad to my on was not getting him addicted to it, his usage limit was 2hrs a day. This from SETTINGS – GENERAL – ACCESSIBILITY – GUIDED ACCESS. Through this I could lock the iPad with one app(I used clock) for the remaining part of the day. This also has a separate lock code.
Step 5 Loading Kids safe apps
The idea of letting my son use the iPad for not using it to see cartoons or movies, it was for him to play games or learn new things. So I added these apps for him to use –
- ABC Keyboard – To learn typing on qwerty.
- Archeologist – A good game with a combination of learning options
- Superhero HD – make comic strips and stories
- Chess – playing chess with a computer or us.
- Photo Booth(inbuilt) – He loves clicking photos
- FaceTime – he can call me(cannot add contacts)
- Google Calendar – shows him his schedule set by us.
- Messages – he can iMessage us.
In a day I have an amazing tablet for my son, he can use it for gaming, learning and a lot more. Giving him limited access makes sure he is safe and not exposed to anything harmful.
Do let me know if you feel anything more can be added.
