Got him an iPad for schoolwork and now it's become a toy

Jan 5·1 min read

Started with good intentions - bought my 9yo an iPad Pro for art class and to do research for projects. Guess how long it took before he figured out he could download game apps I didn't know about? Found him playing some sketchy racing game at 11pm on a school night last week. I'm so frustrated because tech was supposed to HELP with school not become a distraction. Maybe I'm not cut out for this generation's parenting tbh

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6 comments352 views

Comments(6)

JJayRegularJan 6

My kid does his schoolwork on the iPad but we use an app blocker so he literally cannot access games during school hours. Costs like 5 bucks a month and it's been a game changer for us.

TTony G.RegularJan 7

This is exactly what happened with mine. Art class turned into 30 minutes of actual art then 2 hours of YouTube. We ended up getting a regular Chromebook for schoolwork instead and he uses his old tablet for creative stuff only.

OOliver Q.RegularJan 7

iPad for work is fine if you stick to the rule. Easier said than done though. We just went through this with our 10yo.

RRob P.RegularJan 7

Screen time is a slippery slope. I'd suggest setting the rules NOW before it becomes habit. Kids are smart and will push the boundaries if you don't establish them early.

JJoshuaNew DadJan 8

The iPad creep is real. Started the same way with my 7yo and now he just wants to play games. We had to set some hard boundaries. During the week it's homework only, weekends maybe an hour of games. Took a few days of pushback but he adjusted.

DDavid R.New DadJan 8

Pro tip: parental controls are your friend. You can schedule exactly when the device is available and what apps work during those times. My daughter was a pain about it for a week then forgot to complain.