You can no longer keep kids away from laptops and tablets nowadays; however, there’s no reason why you should keep them away from gadgets. The best educational laptops and tablets for kids offer several educational benefits.
Uses of Computers/Laptops for Kids
In the world that we live in, everything is dependent on computers and the Internet has changed the way we live.
Most of the learning nowadays happen on computers and it is essential for kids to know how to use computers, since these computing devices help children learn to read, compute, and offer other educational benefits.
Kids can use tablets and laptops for learning, drawing, watching educational videos, for entertainment such as watching cartoons and playing games. Kids laptops are also great for introducing children to the world of computers.
You now get toy tablets and laptops for kids that are designed to aid learning.
The tablets and laptops for smaller kids are more of toys with limited educational features. The ones for the older kids however have more features and are more robust. Most of these educational computers and laptops are battery operated toys.
Tablet for kids
A tablet is a compact, touchscreen computing device, and almost the same size as a book. Available in several designs and colors, you also get tablets for kids.
The advantage of a tablet is that it fits in between a laptop and a smartphone.
With a lot of learning happening online nowadays, at times you feel the need for a device that has a much bigger screen than a smartphone, and something that is much lighter than a laptop.
You can even use a tablet to play games and for entertainment (watching videos and movies).
This is where a tablet fits in so nicely.
Related: Check out more STEM Toys here.
Kids Tablets: Factors to Consider
While computing power might be important for adults, the best tablet for kids will have better parental controls, long battery life, thick rubberized case.
Also, just because you’re buying a tablet for a kid, it doesn’t mean you ignore the specs completely; the tablet should not feel like a piece of junk.
- Go for at least 8-inch screen that is good for reading comics and watching videos.
- Storage of 16GB is recommended instead of 8GB (lets kid install more apps and take more pictures and video).
In terms of features, it is better to look for a tablet that can grow with your child, which means opting for an Apple, Android, or Amazon tablet instead of some proprietary tablet (usually cheaper).
These features are most commonly available on all tablets for kids.
Most tablets for kids come with a chunky rubber case so that it prevents the tablet from damage, in case it’s accidentally damaged. These rubber cases are available in various attractive colors to suit the kids.
On some models, these cases also double up as a kickstand.
All Kids tablets have an intuitive, kid-friendly interface. You will find several educational apps, books, games and educational tools.
Most kids tablets also come with a suite of parental controls, which means your kids will only be able to access apps and sites you want them to be using.
Best Laptops for Kids
Kids Computers and laptops are not at all expensive, besides these toy systems are absolutely fun and educational. Now, of course, these are not meant to replace the actual computer experience, but they are pretty good. These toys have gray-scale LCD screens and operate on batteries.
Here we take a look at some of the top rated tablet and laptop toys for kids and toddlers.
VTech MobiGo 2 Touch Learning System
The VTech MobiGo is suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years old. Your kids can enjoy the touchscreen, slide-out qwerty keyboard, motion, and microphone. This toy laptop can be used as an art studio, photo album, photo viewer, coloring book and e-reader. You can also download additional games and ebooks through the USB port. The bright orange and blue case is designed to attract your child’s attention and the games and other material will keep them occupied for a while. USB cable and stylus are included, but batteries (four AA) are not included.
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Screen Laptop
The Laugh and Learn smart screen laptop is suitable for children from 6 months to 3 years old. Its designed like a real laptop and turns on when the lid is opened; has a screen and several buttons. This orange and green laptop has several buttons for sounds, words, and songs that teach important concepts like ABCs, shapes, counting, and more. Its sturdily built to withstand the abuse its likely to receive from kids.
LeapFrog LeapPad Kids Learning Tablet
LeapPad has 3 popular models of the learning tablet; LeapPad2, LeapPad2 Power and LeapPad Ultra. They are real tablets and can be used to play games, music, video, ebook, and other learning programs for children. These educational programs can be used to assess the skills and deficiencies of your kids so that they can on the improvement areas. These use rechargeable batteries (not included in the LeapPad 2 model).
Fisher-Price Fun-2-Learn Color Flash Laptop
This Fisher Price Fun-2-Learn toy is suitable for children aged 3 to 8 years. It features an alphabetic keyboard (not the qwerty system), cordless mouse and a screen that changes colors to red, blue and green. Use it to learn letters, listen to music, learn typing, play games, learn phonics and numbers. The keyboard’s exterior is rubber, designed purposely to handle the wear and tear. Three AAA batteries are included.
Improve Your Child’s Computer Skills
Here are some tips to improve your child’s computer skills.
Check out online tutorials for beginners
There are many websites that teach you about the various parts of a computer, how to install one up, how to connect to the Internet, and several computer maintenance tips.
Learn more about the operating system
There are several sites that teach tasks such as installing software, taking back ups, etc. There are many that even teach you to prepare for software certification exams.
Take courses to study basics as well as advanced topics
There are websites where you can purchase courses to study not just computer basics but also to learn coding and how to use useful software programs. Some of these courses also help you to get credit toward continuing education programs.
Are Smartphones and Tablets Really Bad for Kids?
Most kids spend considerable amount of time on smartphones and tablets. While there are several educational toys and games that kids an play, parents are not sure if these gadgets are goo or bad for kids.
- Spending lot of time on smartphones, tablets (technology) can hamper language development and could decrease a child’s social skills.
- More use of electronics also means the kids will do less of physical activities, which is not good for their health. Kids should ideally spend at least an hour outdoors everyday – playing sports and doing activities with their friends.
- Overuse of electronic gadgets and video games can also strain the eyes and affect their posture.
- Most electronic games and videos on smartphones and iPads are interactive (more like cause and effect toy) which makes the child attentive. But the same child then finds it difficult to focus in the class in school, where the level of interaction is usually lower.
- Although laptops, smartphones (and other tech) lets you access tons of useful information, it also makes students lazy. Critical thinking skills take a backseat as students are likely to google for answers (for most questions) rather than think.
In the case of growing kids increased screen time is associated with higher rates of childhood obesity; its because kids don’t focus on the eating and tend to over eat.
Its also known to cause behavior problems, ADHD, poor physical activity, all of these in turn result in poor school performance.
Kids get good at using electronic gadgets quite fast (faster then what most adults think). And if given the choice, they would sit in front of the laptop or in front of the television for hours. That’s where parents need to pitch in.
So the best thing to do is to have some rules around their use.
- Put limitations on screen time
Limit the use of gadgets (screen time). Say around 1-2 hours of screen time every day (includes smartphones, tablets and even TV). - Avoid taking your phone or iPad on the bed (no TV in bedroom)
Its better to spend the time doing some reading along with your child to promote early language development and literacy. Screen time at bedtime disturbs sleep patterns resulting in behavior problems. - No electronics on dinner table
Make your dinner table a electronics-free zone, which means no smartphone, no tablet on the table, and no watching TV while dining (very difficult in certain cultures, where dinner happens wile watching their favorite TV soaps or movies). That time can be well spent on conversing with your child, knowing how his/her day was. - Set aside play time and get interactive with your children
Spend some time with your kids the old-fashioned way. Play with your kids, read them stories, take them outdoors.
Allow Kids to Use Electronics Wisely
Now that you know about the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’, you should let your kids use electronics wisely so that they can benefit greatly from technology.
Technology can help ignite your child’s mind, and help him/her learn useful skills.
Right age to introduce your child to a smartphone or tablet?
Although kids can push buttons and watch videos much earlier, most experts suggest that you wait until your child is at least preschool age, before s/he can start using a smartphone/tablet; avoid screen time for kids below 2.
Research says that Children under two years of age learn best from real-world experiences and interactions, so each minute spent in front of a screen-based device is a minute when your child is not exploring the world and using their senses, which is extremely important in their development process,” says Dr. Carolyn Jaynes.
However, once your child is three years old, they can benefit from electronic media with educational content.
Funtoyworld is a family-managed website with me (Ben), and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing toys. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical suggestions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
Leave a Reply