As tablets become increasingly popular and more affordable, they are finding their way into the hands of children of all ages – whether parents want them to or not.
While there are certainly risks associated with allowing young children to use tablets, there are also many potential benefits.
When choosing a tablet for your child, it is essential to consider both the positive and negative aspects of tablet ownership.
On the plus side, tablets can provide children with access to a wealth of educational resources, including age-appropriate apps and websites. They can also be an excellent way for kids to stay entertained on long car rides or on rainy days.
However, there are also some potential risks associated with tablet use. When parents do not set clear boundaries, children can quickly become addicted to their devices and spend too much time staring at screens. This can lead to problems with vision, posture, and even mental health.
To help you make the best decision for your family, we’ve built the ultimate parent’s guide to the best tablets for kids in 2022.
We’ll cover everything from the benefits and risks of tablet ownership to the features you should look for when making a purchase.
In This Article:
- The Benefits and Risks of Tablets for Kids
- How to Choose the Best Tablet for Your Child
- Our Top Picks for the Best Tablets for Kids in 2022
- How to Protect Your Kids Online with Kidslox
Let’s start by taking a look at the potential benefits and risks of owning a tablet as a parent.
The Benefits of Tablets for Kids
The first tablet appeared on the market nearly a decade ago, and they have since become one of the most popular consumer electronics products in the world.
As tablets become more and more commonplace, they are also finding their way into the hands of children.
Whether or not you wish for your child to have a tablet, it’s likely that they will be exposed to one at some point.
It’s essential for parents to understand both the risks and benefits associated with tablet ownership so that they can make an informed decision about what’s best for their family.
Benefit #1: Access to Educational Resources
One of the most common arguments in favor of giving children tablets is that they provide access to a wealth of educational resources.
Hundreds of thousands of apps are now available specifically designed for educational purposes. These apps can help kids learn everything from basic reading and math skills to more complex topics like science and history.
In addition to apps, there are also a number of websites that offer educational content for kids. These websites can be a great supplement to the material that kids are learning in school.
Benefit #2: A Way to Stay Entertained
Another common argument in favor of giving children tablets is that they provide a way to stay entertained.
There are now hundreds of thousands of apps and games available that can keep kids entertained for hours on end. And since most tablets come with built-in cameras and video players, kids can also use them to watch movies or TV shows.
Tablets can be a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides or rainy days. They can also be helpful for parents who need a few minutes of peace and quiet when their kids are acting up.
Benefit #3: A Way to Stay Connected
In today’s connected world, it’s more important than ever for kids to be able to stay in touch with their friends and family. Tablets can help kids do just that.
Most tablets come with built-in messaging apps that allow kids to send text messages, photos, and even video clips to their friends and family.
In addition, many tablets also come with social media apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pre-installed.
Benefit #4: A Way to Learn Responsibility
For some parents, giving their children a tablet is a way to teach them responsibility.
If you give your child a tablet and set some ground rules for its use, they will need to learn how to follow those rules. This can help teach them responsibility and self-control.
Of course, it’s essential to ensure that your child is old enough and mature enough to handle the responsibility of owning a tablet before you give them one.
Risks of Tablets for Kids
While there are some potential benefits to giving your child a tablet, there are also some risks that you should be aware of. Here are some of the most common risks associated with tablet ownership:
Risk #1: Exposure to Inappropriate Content
One of the most significant risks associated with giving your child a tablet is that they will be exposed to inappropriate content.
Even if you only give your child access to age-appropriate apps and websites, there’s no guarantee that they won’t be exposed to something that you don’t want them to see.
There are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of your child being exposed to inappropriate content:
- Install a content filter or protective software on your home internet router.
- Only allow your child to use apps and websites that you have approved.
- Monitor your child’s tablet use and check their history regularly.
Risk #2: Addiction
Another risk associated with giving your child a tablet is that they could become addicted to it. Just like adults, kids can develop unhealthy attachments to technology.
If your child is spending too much time on their tablet, it could interfere with their schoolwork, social life, and physical activity. In extreme cases, it could even lead to depression or anxiety.
There are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of your child becoming addicted to their tablet:
- Set limits on how much time your child can spend on their tablet each day.
- Encourage your child to take breaks from their tablet and do other activities.
- Make sure that your child is getting enough sleep each night.
Risk #3: Cyberbullying
Another risk associated with giving your child a tablet is that they could become a victim of cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is when someone uses technology to harass, threaten, or embarrass another person. It’s a growing problem, especially among kids and teenagers.
Taking the time to talk to your child about cyberbullying can help them avoid becoming a victim. You should also monitor their tablet use and be on the lookout for any signs of bullying.
Risk #4: Strained Eyesight
Another risk associated with giving your child a tablet is that it could strain their eyesight. Studies have shown that children who spend a lot of time looking at screens are more likely to develop eye issues.
Spending too much time looking at a screen can cause eye strain, headaches, and even blurry vision. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that your child takes breaks from their tablet and doesn’t use it in a dark room.
How to Choose the Best Tablet for Your Kid
If you’ve decided that you want to give your child a tablet, the next step is to choose the right one.
There are a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing a tablet for your child:
Age: The first thing that you need to consider is your child’s age. Some tablets are specifically designed for kids, while others are more general-purpose. The age of your child will help you narrow down your choices.
Budget: The second thing that you need to consider is your budget. You can find tablets at a wide range of price points, so it’s essential to set a budget before you start shopping.
Features: The third thing you need to consider is the features you want your child’s tablet to have. Some of the things that you might want to look for include a durable design, parental controls, and access to age-appropriate apps and websites.
7 of the Best Tablets for Kids in 2022
Now that we’ve gone over some of the things that you need to keep in mind when choosing a tablet for your child let’s take a look at seven of the best options on the market in 2022. These tablets have been selected based on their features, price, and overall performance.
1. Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro (2021)
At the top of our list is the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro. This tablet is specifically designed for kids and comes with a number of features that parents will love.
The first thing you’ll notice about the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is its durable design. It has a soft, silicone bumper that helps protect it from drops and bumps.
Another great feature of the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is that it comes with a year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited. This service gives your child access to age-appropriate books, apps, games, and videos. Amazon FreeTime Unlimited also includes parental controls that let you set screen time and content limits.
Why We Love It: The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is an excellent option for parents who want a durable tablet with parental controls. It’s also one of the more affordable options on our list.
2. Apple iPad (2021)
Apple’s iPad is the hallmark tablet on the market today. Its price is the only reason it’s not at the top of our list.
Apple is known for creating long-lasting products, and the iPad is no different. It’s made from durable materials and can withstand drops and bumps.
The iPad comes with a variety of features that are perfect for kids, including parental controls and access to age-appropriate apps and websites. It also has a wide range of educational apps that can help your child learn.
Plus, the iPad has a large 10.2-inch Retina display that’s perfect for watching movies and playing games. Add in the Apple Pencil support, and the iPad is a great tablet for kids of all ages.
Best of all, the ability to connect your child’s iPad with your own iCloud account means you can easily monitor their tablet use and locate it if it’s ever lost or stolen.
Why We Love It: The iPad is a great all-around tablet that’s perfect for kids of all ages. It’s durable, has parental controls, and comes with access to a wide range of educational apps.
3. Amazon Fire 7
Third on our list is the Amazon Fire 7. This is one of the more affordable options on our list, but don’t let that fool you. The Fire 7 is an excellent tablet for kids. It’s got a durable design, making it perfect for little hands.
The Amazon Fire 7 tablet has a 7″ IPS display, 16 or 32 GB of internal storage, and a faster 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. Plus, it comes with up to 7 hours of battery life for reading, browsing the web, watching videos, and listening to music.
Additionally, the Fire 7 tablet has Alexa built in for hands-free use and a front and rear-facing camera for taking pictures and videos. Plus, there are tons of great apps available through Amazon’s Appstore – so you are guaranteed to find something that your kids will love!
Why We Love It: The Amazon Fire 7 is a great tablet for kids because of its durability, low price, and the fact that it has Alexa built-in. Plus, there are tons of great apps available through Amazon’s Appstore.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7
Another top tablet on our list is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7. This tablet offers a great balance of features and price, making it a good option for budget-conscious shoppers.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is the perfect tablet for kids. Its 10.4-inch, ultra-widescreen display, and Dolby Atmos surround sound speakers provide an immersive entertainment experience.
Kids will love the ability to take and edit photos and videos with the built-in rear camera.
And with a fast processor, long-lasting battery, and up to 64GB of built-in storage, the Galaxy Tab A7 has everything your child needs to stay entertained on the go.
Parents will love its lightweight design makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. So whether you’re looking for a tablet for your child to use at home or on the go, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is a perfect choice.
Why We Love It: The Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 is a great tablet for kids because of its large display, built-in rear camera, and fast processor. Plus, its lightweight design makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.
5. Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is a great tablet for kids for a number of reasons.
Its TDDI IPS display has 2K resolution, meaning that your child will be able to enjoy stunning visuals on their 11-inch screen.
Additionally, the bezels are narrow on all four sides, giving the tablet an excellent screen-to-display ratio. Plus, the tablet is certified to stream in HD, so your child can enjoy their favorite content in high definition.
Finally, the tablet’s four speakers are Dolby Atmos-enabled, meaning that your child can enjoy excellent sound quality when watching their favorite shows or listening to music. Don’t miss out on this excellent tablet for kids as you research the best options for your child in 2022.
Why We Love It: The Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is a great tablet for kids because of its large, high-resolution display and Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. Plus, its narrow bezels give it an excellent screen-to-display ratio.
6. Alcatel Joy Tab 2
A big reason that many parents go for a non-Apple product is the price. If you are looking for an affordable tablet for your kids, the Alcatel Joy Tab 2 is a great option.
The Alcatel Joy Tab 2 has an 8-inch HD display, 32 GB of internal storage, and a long-lasting battery. Plus, it comes with a kid-safe bumper case and a two-year warranty – so you can rest assured that your child’s tablet is protected.
One of the best reasons to choose the Alcatel Joy Tab 2 is its price. At under $100, it is one of the most affordable tablets on the market – making it an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Why We Love It: The Alcatel Joy Tab 2 works great for kids because of its lightweight design and long-lasting battery. Plus, its customizable display is easy on the eyes, making it perfect for hours of use.
7. onn. 8″ Kids Tablet
Rounding out our list is the onn. tablet.
The onn. tablet Android 11 (Go edition) is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable Android tablet.
This tablet has an 8″ 1280 x 800 IPS LCD display that is scratch-resistant and has excellent viewing angles. The 2 GB RAM and 32 GB storage give you plenty of space for your apps and files, and the MicroSD slot allows you to expand your storage if needed.
Best of all, the Google Kids Space and Entertainment Space make this tablet an excellent choice for families, and the Family Link parental controls from Google offer extra protection for your kids.
The onn.tablet Android 11 (Go edition) comes with everything you need to get started, including 1 Tablet 8″, 1 AC adapter, and a quick start guide.
With its impressive specs, great features, and affordable price, the onn. tablet Android 11 (Go edition) offers the apps your kids want, the durability you need, and the peace of mind you deserve.
Why We Love It: The onn. tablet Android 11 (Go edition) is a great tablet for kids because of its affordable price, durable design, and impressive specs. Plus, the Google Kids Space and Entertainment Space make this tablet an excellent choice for families.
No matter which tablet you choose, you can be sure that your child will enjoy hours of entertainment, learning, and fun. And with the peace of mind that comes with knowing your child is safe online, you’ll be able to relax.
However, with so many great options on the market, choosing the right tablet for your child can be challenging. Take the time to investigate each option and find the perfect tablet for your family.
Tips for Picking a Tablet for Your Kids
When you’re ready to purchase a tablet for your kids, keep the following tips in mind:
- Set a budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend on a tablet before you start shopping. This will help you narrow down your options and find the best tablet for your needs.
- Consider the size: Tablet sizes range from 7 inches to 13 inches. Consider how your child will use the tablet and choose a size that is comfortable for them to hold and use.
- Look for durability: If you have young kids, look for a tablet with a durable design. Many tablets for kids come with protective cases or covers to help prevent damage.
- Consider the features: Look for a tablet that has the features your child needs. Some tablets come with special features for kids, such as parental controls and kid-safe browsers.
- Read the reviews: Be sure to read online reviews before you purchase a tablet. This will help you get an idea of what other parents think of the tablet and if it’s the right choice for your family.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to find the best tablet for your kids.
Choose a durable tablet that has the features your child needs and is within your budget, and you’ll be sure to find a winner.
Protect Your Kid’s Tablet with Kidslox
When choosing a tablet for your child, it’s important to remember that no single device is perfect. Even the best tablet for kids can have its risks.
That’s why we recommend that you use Kidslox with your child’s tablet and other devices. Kidslox is an innovative device-management software that gives you complete control over your child’s device usage.
With Kidslox, you can set limits on how much time your child can spend on their tablet and which apps and websites they can access. You can also use Kidslox to monitor your child’s device usage and activity. Best of all, a single Kidslox account gives you the ability to manage all of your family’s devices from one central location.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your child safe while they use their tablet, we recommend that you try Kidslox today. With Kidslox, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child is only using their tablet in a way that you approve of.
KIdslox is available for both Android and iOS devices. Check out Kidslox now, and start keeping your family safe online today!
