The current generation of children defines the term “digital natives” in every sense of the word. They were born into a world completely consumed with technology. As they’ve grown, everything from cellphones to the internet of things has become more prevalent in their lives.
With so much tech available, it can be difficult for parents to decide what options are okay for their kids to use and what ones aren’t. Here are a few ideas for age-appropriate tech gifts that are safe for your kids.
1. Check Out Kid-Friendly Phones
The average age that kids get their first smartphone continues to shrink. This has created a scenario of ever-mounting pressure for parents to give in and get their kids mobile devices sooner than many of them would like. It’s wise for parents to resist this trend, particularly when they know that their kids aren’t ready for the responsibility. Even tech titan Bill Gates recommends waiting until your kids are at least 14 years old before they get their first phone.
Even once you have a young teenager that is ready to have their own mobile device, you may still want to consider giving them a phone for kids first. This isn’t referencing a toddler’s play toy with glowing buttons. There are genuine, functional smartphones available designed with kids in mind.
These phones remove things like social media and unfettered internet access. Instead, they focus on kid-friendly (and parent-friendly) items. This includes essentials like making phone calls, sending text messages, providing location access via a GPS, and a camera to take pictures. A kid phone is a perfect way to safely introduce your children to the mobile world.
2. Invest in Robotics
Does your kid show an interest in robots? Do they like the idea of coding? If so, you may want to look into a robotics toy for kids. Toys can provide a fun and easy way to get your kids engaged with STEM learning without even knowing it. Your child can program this fascinating spherical robot — and others like it — by using accompanying apps. If you have an older child, there are dozens of more complex robotics-themed gifts available, as well.
Most tech is attached at the hip to the internet. Not so with robotics. Sure, a parent can help their child download apps and conduct coding research. Nevertheless, getting a robot tech toy for your child remains a largely off-line activity. It is a fun gift that can easily remain within the four walls of your home.
3. Consider a Kid-Focused Tablet
If your child likes to play computer games like Minecraft, you may want to invest in a tablet. There are countless tablets available. However, much like smartphones, you want to make sure that the device you choose is kid-friendly and equipped with good safety features.
The level of safety features that you look for will likely vary depending on the age of your child. Internet access and inappropriate apps are primary concerns here. If you have an older child, you can invest in an Apple iPad. This mainstream option comes backed by an app store stocked with numerous child-appropriate apps from third-party sellers.
If you have a younger child, you may want to consider something more kid-specific, like the Kids Edition of the Amazon Fire. These tablets and others like them are tailored for children and are chock full of kid-friendly content. They’re also much cheaper than other tablet options, which is an important consideration if you’re going to have a younger child using the device.
4. Remember the Arts
Even if you have younger kids that aren’t ready for smartphones and tablets, there are plenty of safe tech options available. For instance, there are multiple toys that combine technology and the arts. They present both in a format that is accessible to younger children.
There are magnetic writing tablets (think your classic Magna Doodle) equipped with tech to create a more interactive experience. This can help a preschooler to practice their letters, a kindergartener to learn to write their own name, and even a toddler to make up their own art.
There are also multiple ways that you can use tech to foster a love of music in your child’s life. If you have an older child, they may have already developed an interest in music. If this is the case, you can get them an electric piano and then download GarageBand onto a tablet or computer. This can open up the doors for them to write, record, and mix their own music — all from the safety of their own home recording studio.
5. Connect Tech with Personal Interests
Finally, if your goal is to begin cultivating a greater interest in technology for your child, look for ways to tie existing interests to digital devices. The Internet of Things has made this particularly easy. In recent years a smorgasbord of toys and gadgets have hit the market that combines iconic childhood interests with cutting-edge tech.
For instance, you can steer into your kid’s love of Star Wars by getting them an R2D2 kit that they can build from scratch. LEGO even has an entire product line devoted to tech. Their Technic toys allow LEGO fanatics to create a variety of different devices that they can operate and steer.
Regardless of the specific brand, connecting your child’s personal passions to their gadgets is always a good idea. It provides an ideal way to help them get hands-on with the latest technology in a safe environment.
From robots to music and everything in between, there are plenty of tech gifts that are safe to purchase for your kids. You can even get riskier items like smartphones and tablets in child-safe formats if you do your homework first.
The important thing is to find an option that matches your child’s age and interests. If you start with these parameters, you can use the above list to narrow down your search to the safest options. Once you’ve done that, you can select the best technologically-powered gift possible for your fledgling digital native.
