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AIBU?

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Original poster

To refuse to sign form for DD to have a school iPad?

112 replies

user63214 · 13/11/2025 18:19

Last year DD (8) school introduced iPads which they all brought home to complete homework/ use Apps. On a number of occasions DD dropped it accidentally, forgot where is was or to charge it.
For this year they have just sent out forms saying children will receive their iPads once we have signed the form acceptability liability for any damage/loss etc. AIBU? If school decide they want to use iPads they need to accept some may be damaged. Also unsure what happens if the damage happens on school property.

I

OP posts:
Bungle2168 · 13/11/2025 23:24

You are the parent; you are responsible for your child and hence your child’s school iPad.

*You make sure it is charged over night
*You buy a suitably robust case for it so it does not get damaged.

This one is on you.

Richardoo · 13/11/2025 23:23

Would be a nope here too. My iPad screen failed, I was in no way careless, it just suddenly developed random lines. It would be easy to blame an 8yr old and charge the parents. Plus no 8yr old needs an iPad, primary schools need to work on their boundaries with this type of thing, screen use is a parental decision.

Simplelifeneeded · 13/11/2025 23:14

No way would I be signing the form either.

ScrollingLeaves · 13/11/2025 23:10

I wouldn’t want my child doing homework on computer screens. That’s why I would not sign.

RawBloomers · 13/11/2025 23:06

That's fair enough OP. The school don't get to push hundreds of pounds of risk onto you like that without you agreeing it's a good idea.

YarraValley · 13/11/2025 23:04

Yanbu. I wouldn’t want my dc to have their own ipad for a start and I wouldn’t want her to have to have the responsibility of looking after an iPad.

Tryingatleast · 13/11/2025 22:56

8 is a ridiculous age, you’ll be following about ready to catch😅😅😅

Peridoteage · 13/11/2025 22:54

My DC aren't allowed their own tablets.

I'd explain to school that we'd provide access to the family pc (which we have full control over to ensure it has age appropriate limits and restrictions) and decline the ipad. Its not necessary for 8 year olds to have ipads or any tablets.

Doobedobe · 13/11/2025 22:51

I would ask the school about insurance, if tou can get your own insurance or cover it with your gadget insurance.
Also, if your child is prone to breaking them,

  1. Only use it for school work at the table then put it away
  2. Order some screen glass protectors
  3. Order the big rubber foamy cases for kids
McP13 · 13/11/2025 22:48

We are in Scotland my son has had a chrome book for years from school and never had an issue of it being dropped or broken.. my son is high school now 3rd year but had one in primary school too and my daughter is in P7 (last year of primary. School) and has had one for a few years now. School have now sent out a letter saying they understand things break and not to worry bring it to the tech team and they will sort it out.

pastaandpesto · 13/11/2025 22:47

Absurd responses from PPs who say that an eight year old should be responsible enough to look after an iPad. I can only assume that they have never once accidentally broken something in their lives since they were eight? Of course you'd hope that most eight year olds would try their best to be careful, but inevitably accidents will happen and the expense of replacing an iPad would be devastating to many family budgets.

And eight year olds should be spending less bloody time on screens, it's infuriating that schools are encouraging it.

LlamaNoDrama · 13/11/2025 22:46

I refused to sign for one. We had to accept responsibility for any damage at any time and I wasn't prepared to do so for the hours my child was in school and not even under my supervision. Iirc it also said we may have to contribute if anything went wrong technically - errr, nope!

ResusciAnnie · 13/11/2025 22:40

I wouldn't either. Mainly because there's just no need. I'm sick of everything being on a screen. It's easier just to do it on paper. Also whenever will these children experience the joy of shopping for cool stationery??? Essential!

Mixerfixer · 13/11/2025 22:38

Wildflowers78 · 13/11/2025 18:22

Obviously YABU. An 8 year old should be more than capable of looking after an iPad. Maybe this will be a good lesson in teaching her responsibility. What do you expect her to use for homework if you don’t want the school one and presumably don’t want to purchase your own?

Edited

Schools should provide home work on paper.

WearyAuldWumman · 13/11/2025 22:36

stichguru · 13/11/2025 18:34

Are you sure it's not just an option for the students that don't have a device that they can use at home? I find it unlikely that the school would be buying IPads for every child when so many children have THEIR OWN computer/IPad/Tablet and more will have a family one or two that they can use for stuff. I would have thought it is just for those children who have no access to a home device or only one shared with upteen siblings!

This is happening in Fife. I think that it's nuts.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/fifes-ps50m-rollout-of-ipads-to-transform-learning-for-30000-school-pupils-gets-underway-5285292

VikaOlson · 13/11/2025 22:36

I don't want my 8 year old having a device and I definitely wouldn't take responsibility for it!

I'd ask for the homework to be printed on paper if it's important.

Greenfinch7 · 13/11/2025 22:34

8 year olds should not be doing homework on line. It is not necessary and not good for them.

BringBackCatsEyes · 13/11/2025 22:32

ApplebyArrows · 13/11/2025 22:28

Maybe kids these days are different but I hate doing anything on a tablet beyond reading or watching a video. (I imagine the homework is a little more involved than that!) I'd so much rather use a proper computer. Even a phone would be much preferable.

My son's school-issue iPad came with a keyboard, so it's pretty much like a very small and more portable lap top.

Ineffable23 · 13/11/2025 22:32

I wouldn't want an 8 year old responsible for that expensive an object, especially not one that has to be yelled back and forth outside the home every day. So I don't think you're being unreasonable, no.

cherish123 · 13/11/2025 22:30

This happened to us. My DC's screen on the IPad cracked and we had to pay £100 for a new screen.

ApplebyArrows · 13/11/2025 22:28

Maybe kids these days are different but I hate doing anything on a tablet beyond reading or watching a video. (I imagine the homework is a little more involved than that!) I'd so much rather use a proper computer. Even a phone would be much preferable.

twinkletoesimnot · 13/11/2025 22:07

YANBU
I see how some of my Year 3 and 4 children look after their books and reading records - no way!
I also think it’s completely unnecessary- as a teacher and a parent.
I wouldn’t sign either!

soundsys · 13/11/2025 21:48

Elsvieta · 13/11/2025 21:37

Is these mandatory nowadays? What happens if a child doesn't have internet at home?

Where I am the school would give you a dongle

BringBackCatsEyes · 13/11/2025 21:43

Rocketpants50 · 13/11/2025 18:39

Are they providing cases for them to protect against damage? Or just giving them an iPad? I am with you, if they have a computer/ tablet at home they can use for h/ w why do they need at iPad- and more importantly where on earth is the money coming from to provide each child with an iPad (am presuming they all get one)- I can think of better ways to spend money. Though think those who dont have access to something at home should get one.

All the 6th formers are issued iPads where my son goes. They have some sort of industrial casing that would withstand being dropped and probably trodden on (not about to try either!).
I would expect the same from ones issued at primary school.

Parker231 · 13/11/2025 21:39

Littlebitpsycho · 13/11/2025 18:22

I dont think you're being unreasonable but at the same time how will she do the homework if its online?

Homework is optional in primary so an iPad isn’t needed.

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