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.

OP posts:

Elsvieta · 13/11/2025 21:37

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

Coffeesnob11 · 13/11/2025 18:57

At my nephew's school if you don't sign you just queue to get one at the start of the day at the office and hand it back at the end. Any device can access the homework site.

CraftyNavySeal · 13/11/2025 18:45

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?

The internet still exists outside of that specific iPad.

She can just log in and complete the homework on the family computer.

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.

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!

mindutopia · 13/11/2025 18:24

I wouldn’t want my dc having an iPad at 8. They can use computers at school. We complete any online homework on our laptops or phones. I’m also very happy just to print anything on paper to complete. Absolutely no need for more screens in primary school, including for homework. Yes, for any children who do not have access to a device at home, there should be the option for some arrangements to level the playing field, sure.

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?

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?

Thingsthatgo · 13/11/2025 18:22

YABU your DD is old enough to take responsibility for an iPad. Unless you are going to drip feed a SEN.
just saw your DD is 8 years old! YANBU. I thought it said yr 8!

theresapossuminthekitchen · 13/11/2025 18:22

Yeah, I wouldn’t be signing that either. They don’t need iPads at all at that age, but if they insist on it then it won’t be me liable for the cost. I’m prepared to pay if my child deliberately breaks an iPad in an act of vandalism. Giving 8 year olds expensive tech to take home and then being worried about the cost of the inevitable accidental breakages is ridiculous.

JLou08 · 13/11/2025 18:22

I don't think I'd want to sign for an iPad either. I'd rather buy a cheap tablet for them to do the work on or have them do it on my phone or laptop.

Makemineacosmo · 13/11/2025 18:21

Don't be ridiculous.

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