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Do you send your kids' iPads on playdates?!

107 replies

Purpleturtle45 · 31/07/2026 18:34

This is doing my head in recently. Whenever my daughter (9) has a friend to play they bring their iPad (or equivalent). I have playdates to get them off a screen and wouldn't dream or sending her on a playdate with her tablet. I have 2 older kids and this was never a thing!

OP posts:
jsfv · 31/07/2026 18:44

Mine (8&4) have iPads for their lexia and maths apps, and flights only. Absolutely no way would I send them around to their friends’ houses with them. The parents that allow this are idiots.

Batties · 31/07/2026 18:44

StrawberryMatchaLatte · 31/07/2026 18:42

If you're surprised at that then you don't have children or you're incredibly sheltered.

I have 3 DC. A 9 year old owning an iPad is ridiculous.

Bitzee · 31/07/2026 18:44

I have a 9YO DD and thankfully have never come across this. One friend likes to bring a kindle to sleepovers as reading helps her fall asleep but that’s the closest I’ve seen. I’m not totally against ipads for watching movies when travelling, tt rockstars etc. but isn’t the whole point of a PLAYdate to play and interact with your friends not sit behind a solo screen?

StrawberryMatchaLatte · 31/07/2026 18:42

Batties · 31/07/2026 18:38

Absolutely not. I’m suprised that your DD’s friend even owns an iPad at 9 years old.

If you're surprised at that then you don't have children or you're incredibly sheltered.

Bluehouse14 · 31/07/2026 18:39

I know 9 year olds that do it. It's utterly depressing. Will never do it myself

Batties · 31/07/2026 18:38

Absolutely not. I’m suprised that your DD’s friend even owns an iPad at 9 years old.

Jollyranger10 · 31/07/2026 18:36

No I don't I tell them don't be on your phones or iPads because yous can play on then when your in your own house. If they have been active such as playing in the park and garden for a while I might let them have an hour on iPads before they go home.