What to Consider Before Buying Tech for Your Child

By Tracey Dowdy

It seems like shiny new tech is on everyone’s wish list this time of year but before you spend your hard earned dollars on the latest and greatest gadget, consider these questions to ensure you’re making the best choices for your family.

  • Have they shown any interest in technology? Sometimes our desire to make sure our kids don’t fall behind gets in the way of our better judgment. If your child would rather play with Lego on the family room floor than build a virtual world, don’t spend a lot of money on Lego video games.
  • Can the device do more than one thing? eReaders are great but if your child also plans to listen to music, they’re not the best choice. Check out the specs to see what the device can do.
  • Will you need to buy accessories? The purchase price of the initial device may be within your budget but if it requires additional accessories like headphones or controllers, the cost may be beyond what you’re expecting or willing to spend.
  • Does the device have parental controls? Ask any parent who’s suddenly found $100 in iTunes charges when their child “accidentally” made in-app purchases and they’ll tell you all about the importance of parental controls. Depending on your child’s maturity level and the device you’ve chosen, you may want to consider choosing a device that lets you restrict internet access, block questionable content or allows you to block unauthorized purchases.
  • Is it durable? The price point and capabilities of a device are irrelevant if it can’t hold up to the wear and tear your child will subject it to.
  • Is it right for my child’s needs? If your child has limited motor skills devices with tiny keypads or small controllers may not be the best option. Consider their developmental level and make your choices from there. Also, make sure the device or games they’re asking for are age appropriate – that includes content as well as capabilities.
  • Is it educational? If you’re looking for a device that will boost reading or math skills, a device that offers internet access or games may be distracting. Keep in mind there are countless educational games and apps available so it’s not necessary to limit yourself to one-purpose devices.
  • Have you thought through boundaries and time limits? Whether it’s setting limits on the amount of time you’ll allow on the device each day, the amount you’re willing to spend on things like in-app purchases or how much freedom you’ll allow them to explore the internet, you’ll need to think things through and have a conversation to establish those boundaries from the beginning.
  • Is your child ready? Are they responsible? Consider how involved you want to be in your child’s tech experience. Depending on the age and maturity of your child, some devices may offer too much freedom, others not enough. You’ll also need to have a conversation about what happens if the device breaks. Who will pay for repairs or replacement?
  • Are you ready? Depending on the device you’ve chosen and the interest of your child, you may need to have conversations about internet safety and issues like cyberbullying. If the device will be used for social media, there’s a whole world that’s opened up and it warrants a conversation to ensure your child is ready.

Tracey Dowdy is a freelance writer based just outside Washington DC. After years working for non-profits and charities, she now freelances, edits and researches on subjects ranging from family and education to history and trends in technology. Follow Tracey on Twitter.

Comments:

  1. It’s going to be finish of mine day, but before ending I am reading this impressive paragraph to improve my knowledge.

  2. My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your
    post’s to be what precisely I’m looking for.
    Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?

    I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write concerning here.
    Again, awesome website!

  3. We are a group of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.
    Your website offered us with helpful info to work on. You’ve performed a formidable task and our entire community might be thankful
    to you.

  4. This paragraph will help the internet people for building up new web site or even a
    weblog from start to end.

  5. Howdy superb blog! Does running a blog like this require
    a great deal of work? I’ve absolutely no expertise in coding
    but I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyway, should
    you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share.
    I understand this is off subject however I simply
    had to ask. Many thanks!

  6. Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before
    but after going through some of the posts I realized it’s new to me.
    Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!

  7. Hey there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading your posts.
    Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same
    subjects? Thanks a lot!

  8. Fantastic site. Lots of helpful information here.
    I am sending it to some pals ans also sharing in delicious.
    And obviously, thank you on your sweat!

  11. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely neatly written article.
    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your helpful info.
    Thank you for the post. I’ll definitely return.

  12. I’ll immediately grab your rss feed as I can’t to find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service.

    Do you’ve any? Please let me know in order that I may just subscribe.

    Thanks.

  15. When some one searches for his required thing, thus he/she needs to be available that in detail, therefore that thing
    is maintained over here.

  16. Hi there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out
    and say I genuinely enjoy reading your posts. Can you recommend
    any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same subjects?
    Thank you so much!

  17. Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through some of the
    post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely
    glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

  18. Pretty! This has been an incredibly wonderful article. Thank you for providing this information.

  19. Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It really
    useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.

  20. It’s going to be end of mine day, however before
    end I am reading this impressive paragraph to increase my knowledge.

  21. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am having difficulties with your RSS.
    I don’t know why I am unable to join it. Is there anyone else having similar
    RSS problems? Anybody who knows the answer can you kindly respond?
    Thanks!!

  22. I get pleasure from, lead to I discovered exactly what I used to be taking a look for.
    You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have
    a nice day. Bye

  24. Hi, this weekend is fastidious in support of me,
    because this point in time i am reading this fantastic informative
    article here at my home.

  25. That is really interesting, You are an overly professional blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to searching for extra of your wonderful post.
    Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social
    networks

  33. I have been browsing online more than 4 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content
    as you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.

  34. Thank you for the good writeup. It if truth be told was
    a enjoyment account it. Glance complex to far added agreeable from you!
    By the way, how could we communicate?

    My blog: slot demo

  36. Nice post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m impressed!
    Extremely helpful info specifically the closing phase :
    ) I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this certain information for
    a very lengthy time. Thank you and best of luck.

  37. Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and
    gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said
    “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed
    the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside
    and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
    LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to
    tell someone!

  39. I always show love to the people writing this.
    So let me give back and show back my secrets on change
    your life and if you want to hear exactly I will share info about howto make money I am always here for yall.

  40. Can I show my graceful appreciation and give my secrets on really
    good stuff and if you want to know whats up? Let me tell
    you a quick info about how to find cute girls for free you know
    where to follow right?

  41. Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted
    to say that I have truly loved surfing around your weblog posts.
    In any case I will be subscribing in your feed and I’m
    hoping you write once more soon!

  43. Can I show my graceful appreciation and tell you my secret ways on really good stuff and if you want to seriously get to hear Let me tell you a brief about
    how to find hot girls for free I am always here for yall you know that right?

  44. OMG! This is amazing. Ireally appreciate it~ May I
    give true love to a secret only I KNOW and if you want to
    have a checkout You really have to believe mme and have
    faith and I will show how to learn SNS marketing Once again I want to show my
    appreciation and may all the blessing goes to you now!.

  45. Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one!
    It’s on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and
    design. Superb choice of colors!

  46. Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one!
    It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same
    page layout and design. Superb choice of colors!

  48. What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled
    upon this I have discovered It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads.

    I’m hoping to give a contribution & aid different users like its aided me.
    Good job.

  50. Hello would you mind letting me know which web host you’re using?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this
    blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a honest price?

    Kudos, I appreciate it!

  51. Yall already know how much iwant to give a subscribe or a follow for this.
    Let me give back really amazing stuff and if you want to
    get a peek? I will share info about how to change your life check
    and follow me bros!

  53. This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am in fact pleassant to read all at one place.

  57. I’m gone to inform my little brother, that he should also pay a quick visit this web site on regular basis to take updated from newest news.

  58. Yall already know how much iwant to give a subscribe or a follow for this.
    Let me appreciate really amazing stuff and if you
    want to have a checkout? I will share info about how to make a fortune check and
    follow me bros!

  59. Ⲩour method оf describing aⅼl іn tһis article is reaⅼly pleasant, еveгʏ one ϲаn ᴡithout difficulty Ьe aware of it, Tһanks a
    lot.

    Feel free to visit my blog :: Cbd Flower

  60. Terrific work! This is the kind of information that should be shared around the net.
    Shame on Google for now not positioning this publish upper!
    Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)

  61. Greeting yall from korea I really like the information you gave me.
    Thank you for showing me the value of this. I will make sure i get you back!

  63. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles?

    I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. But just imagine if you added some great graphics or videos to
    give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but
    with images and video clips, this site could definitely be one of
    the greatest in its field. Fantastic blog!

  64. Hi there, I found your site via Google whilst looking for
    a comparable matter, your site came up, it seems good.
    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, just turned into aware of your blog through Google, and
    found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
    I will be grateful in the event you continue this in future.
    A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  65. whoah this blog is wonderful i like studying your articles.
    Stay up the great work! You already know, lots of persons are looking
    round for this info, you can aid them greatly.

  66. Hello there, I believe your blog could be having internet browser compatibility problems.
    Whenever I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping
    issues. I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads
    up! Aside from that, wonderful website!

  68. Great blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There
    are so many options out there that I’m completely confused ..
    Any ideas? Thanks a lot!

  69. yоu are aｃtually a excellent webmaster. Tһe web site loading pace іs amazing.
    Ιt кind ߋf feels tһat you’re doimg any distinctive trick.
    Ϝurthermore, Τhe contents are masterwork. ʏou have performed a fantastic job օn this topic!

    my homepage – cbd oil

  72. Superb blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m
    totally overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Kudos!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended Articles

“Are we there yet?” 7 Road Trip Apps to Keep Your Kids Busy

10 Tech Tips for Parents

5 Apps That Teach Critical Thinking Skills

Digital Parenting: It’s About Assessing the Risk

5 Top News Sites for Kids