In today’s digital age, tablets and iPads have become a staple in many households. They offer endless opportunities for learning, creativity, and entertainment. But without proper safety settings, these powerful devices can expose children to risks like inappropriate content, online predators, or even accidental purchases. As a parent or caregiver, taking proactive steps to secure your child’s device is essential. By setting boundaries and enabling protective features, you can create a safer, more controlled digital environment that supports healthy development and responsible screen use.
1. Enable Restrictions (Parental Controls)
Start by turning on Screen Time or parental control settings. Apple’s Screen Time (found in Settings) allows you to manage daily screen time, set app limits, and restrict specific content types. Android tablets often offer similar Family Link tools.
This prevents kids from stumbling into harmful apps or overusing their devices, helping support healthier screen habits and reducing digital dependency.
This also helps children begin to recognize healthy boundries with tech from a young age. These skill carried into adulthood are beneficial in promoting productivity and overall, better mental health!
2. Disable Web Browsers and Other Unsuitable Apps
Unless your child is old enough to use the internet responsibly, disable or restrict access to web browsers like Safari or Chrome. Also, remove or hide apps that aren’t age-appropriate, such as social media or video-sharing platforms not designed for kids.
One of the biggest concerns for parents allowing childrent o have access to the internet on thier devices is the risk of encountering explicit or inappropriate content online. A survey by Common Sense Media found that 73% of teens have come across online pornography, with over half—54%—being exposed before the age of 13.
This exposure often occurs unintentionally, through pop-up ads, misleading links, or algorithm-driven recommendations on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The ease with which children can access such content underscores the necessity of proactive measures.
By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your child encountering explicit content, creating a safer digital environment for them to explore and learn.
3. Disable Installing Apps
Children may be drawn to flashy games or unknown apps that carry risks—like inappropriate content, malware, or hidden costs. Disabling the ability to install apps without permission ensures that only age-appropriate, parent-approved tools make it onto the device.
Prevent your child from downloading apps by disabling the ability to install apps without your permission. On Apple devices, this can be done via Screen Time > Content & Privacy > iTunes & App Store Purchases.
4. Disable In-App Purchases
Many “free” games use in-app purchases to unlock features, characters, or currency—and kids often don’t realize they’re spending real money. Turning off in-app purchases avoids accidental or impulsive spending, which can quickly add up on your billing statement.
To avoid surprise charges, turn off in-app purchases. On iPads, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > In-app Purchases > Don’t Allow.
5. Disable Location Services
Many apps request location access even when it’s unnecessary. Disabling this feature prevents apps (and potentially malicious users) from tracking or broadcasting your child’s whereabouts, which can lead to serious safety concerns or data breaches.
To protect your child’s privacy, turn off location services for apps that don’t need it. This prevents apps or games from tracking your child’s location. Visit Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services to adjust preferences per app.
6. Keep Your Account Protected
Your Apple ID or Google account often holds payment details, email, and cloud access. A strong password and two-factor authentication help prevent unauthorized changes, purchases, or data loss. Kids should not know or use your account credentials unsupervised.
Use a strong password for your Apple ID or Google account and enable two-factor authentication. Never share login credentials with your child. This ensures only you can make purchases or change critical settings.
7. Restrict Access to Game Center or Online Multiplayer
Online games allow kids to chat with strangers or receive unsolicited messages. Restricting access to these multiplayer features helps prevent contact with people who may not have good intentions and reduces exposure to toxic or unsafe gaming environments.
Many games have multiplayer features that allow communication with strangers. Limit access to Game Center or multiplayer options, and turn off features like friend requests, game invitations, or public leaderboards.
8. Set Content Limits
Tablets allow access to movies, TV shows, books, music, and app; some of which may not be suitable for younger audiences. Setting content ratings ensures your child is only exposed to material that aligns with their developmental stage and family values.
Use age-appropriate filters to restrict access to various media. In Apple’s Screen Time settings, you can choose the age range that matches your child’s developmental stage.
9. Disable “Erase Data” Option
Kids may accidentally trigger the “Erase Data” feature by multiple incorrect passcode attempts. Disabling this protects important photos, apps, and documents from being permanently deleted, saving you from unnecessary frustration or recovery efforts.
Disable this option to prevent loss of valuable data. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID) > Turn off “Erase Data.”
10. Use a Rugged Protective Case and Screen Protector
Tablets are expensive and fragile. Children are prone to drops, spills, and rough handling. A shock-absorbing case and tempered glass screen protector safeguard the device from everyday accidents, making it more kid-proof and preserving your investment.
Protect your child and you tablet from accidental damage with a rugged, shockproof case and screen protector. Many child-safe cases also include handles or stands to make handling easier and safer.
Creating a Safe Digital Experience
Tablets and iPads are not inherently harmful—in fact, they can be powerful tools for education and entertainment when used safely. Protect your child’s well-being, your personal information, and the longevity of your device. By setting up your child’s iPad or tablet with these precautions in place, you’re creating a safe, structured environment where they can learn, play, and grow confidently in the digital world.
With just a few simple steps, you can turn a tablet into a secure, kid-friendly device that encourages learning while giving you peace of mind.
