....to think 8/9 yr olds should not have their own iPads or Smart Phones?

[Poopoopeedoo]

My son just informed me that a good number of kids in his class of 8-9 yr olds are being given iPads for their birthdays and one already has an iPhone of his own.
Is this the norm now? I feel like perhaps I am just an old-fashioned stick in da mud but SERIOUSLY?? At 9 yrs old??
I just want to know if I should continue to dig heals in or if I am, in fact, the only UNREASONABLE parent here! He has access to DH´s ipad and our iphones intermittently btw, but I never imagined getting him his own till he was ...oh I don´t know...16!!
What say you, wise Mnetters??

My DS9 and DD5 both have iPods, if you are that worried about what they may google not only can you use parental controls you can disable Safari so they can't access the internet, this doesn't stop them downloading and apps and playing games. Our family iPad has parental controls and access to the internet but this is always used in our family room. my DS will be getting an iPad for his 10th bday but again he won't have access to the internet on it. The controls are there for you to use and we limit the amount of time spent. We also have another rule that no electronic devices are to be taken to bedrooms unless asked.

My DS got an IPad mini for his birthday when he was 7. (I have an IPad and we used to share it). Yes, I agree it was an expensive present.

He uses it regularly (when he is not outside playing football or cycling).

He uses it for watching films, tv, reading, listening to music and playing games such as FIFA and Minecraft. However it really comes into it's own for school. He uses it to contribute to his class blog, research stuff for his home work, spellings app, the school maths app etc.

On long journeys and flights it is great.

He also Skypes his Grandad and his Aunt, who lives abroad.

He also takes it to his Dad's on a weekend, so he can speak to me if he needs to via FaceTime.

A lot of his friends has tablets (probably not IPads). They are incredibly useful.

He does not have a phone, as he doesn't need one yet. He will get one just before he starts High school, but it won't be an I-phone.

My youngest tells anyone that will listen that he has an ipad. He doesn't. He just likes to think he does. But in reality it is mine. He is one of the users of the ipad.

He does though have my old iphone 3.

I don't listen to playground gossip. Children exaggerate a lot. One of my dc's were taken in by mates boasting about being able to do x,y and z, and having various things. Quickly learned that it was a load of bollocks when I gave enough freedom to do everything her mates were doing. Or should I say, weren't doing.

Looking like the majority is in favour here! I´m definitely getting old
It's not an age thing!

I'm a granny (as per username!) and all my DGC love my IPad and use it all the time.
Eldest at 5 bought a tablet with his own money (Bday and Christmas). To me, it's important that they can use them, there is a wealth of educational as well as fun stuff out there and as long as they're monitored, what's the problem?

(I used to be told off because I was always reading and would get through at least 5 books a week as a child. Plus ca change and all that)

Sorry, forgot to add. He is. to allowed on any websites that have a chat facility or forum. He always asks permission to download any apps (including free ones) and we talk regularly about internet safety. He has parental controls on his IPad and can't access any content/apps that are aimed at over 12's.

We had a nightmare getting him access to Sky Sports, as I had forgotten about the parental controls and Sky Sports has a 17+ rating on it.

Dts got an ipad mini each for their ninth birthday. I thought long and hard about an ipad vs a cheaper tablet (they didn't nag)

It's been lovely, they play nice little games, which include their school friends, build stuff, research homework - the wifi doesn't work in the bedrooms so we all squish up on the sofas together for a bit of screen down time. They only visit specific sites, and our flat is small enough so they are within sight of me when using. They don't watch live tv anymore, just iplayer and the like, so they're more selective viewers than previously when (one in particular) would veg out in front of anything. They use them quite a bit in the house, but as they also go out to play in the park or footie for a couple of hours after school every evening, come rain or shine I don't mind. They generally come off for dinner and that's when they're done for the night.

I really think if it's affordable they are an excellent resource.

We had that BBC Micro, too Corus.

I don't think it's unusual for children of that age to have them. I imagine many will have cheaper tablets, not necessarily iPads. Some are cheaper than a couple of Lego sets. A smart phone could be handed down after a paren't got an upgrade.

My youngest son got an iPod touch at 7. It's been great for holidays and long journeys. If we have an 8 hour drive he can watch a film, listen to some music or an audio book. At 9 he got a laptop, which meant we could get rid of the old desktop, monitor and desk. He was the only one who used it and it couldn't run new software very well.

My children may get these things but it's not every birthday & Christmas. There are plenty of occasions for them to get other toys, like models and lego. We also limit the time they spend on devices, 7 pm and they're put away. You don't need to look over their shoulders all the time. Limit times and the type of traffic that comes into the house through your service provider, router, or other service. EG Open DNS. It's not fool proof but at least I know my teenager can't be using social media in bed at 11pm.

We are getting ds1 5 an ipad mini for his birthday. He won't use it any more than he does my ipad. A smart phone maybe around 10 but times may change. We will control how long he uses it for and he will only use it downstairs. They are expensive but u get your money's worth from then (DH will use when ds1 is in bed as he doesn't have/want a tablet!).

My 8 and 10 year old each have their own android tablet. DS2's is a cheapy nook HD and DS1's a pricier Samsung, bought at a pretty good price. He uses it as a camera to take and edit pictures of all his coins more than he does to play games.

I wouldn't fork out for iPads for them, mind. DS2 used to be allowed to borrow my iPad mini, but he kept using up all my game power ups (and making it sticky).

My toddler has a Kindle Fire (and anyone who thinks I'm a nutcase for buying it for her can do one ). All she can do on it is play apps we download for her, and the whole thing is password protected and you can set time limits. She doesn't need it, but then neither do I, yet I have an iPad To be fair she's not going to be searching for porn (more interested in Iggle Piggle), but I think to assume that technology is bad for kids is rather naive. If you don't understand the technology or how to keep your kids safe online then learn. Take control of the situ surely? You're the parent!

my DS got a smart phone and ipad for xmas he's 5 keeps him quiet and out of my hair

I second/third etc that it's not an age thing - I'm ancient

I would advise though, if as you say, you are an Apple household - stick with what you know - besides, I don't know anyone in RL who hasn't had battery issues with other tablets - iPad no issues at all as I'm sure you know :)

Just make sure your DCs know it comes with restrictions & strict rules - it's a great bargaining tool to get things done

I'm presuming you or DP have an iPhone or iPad, if so just make sure you hook it up with the same AppleID etc, that way you have control & can keep an eye on downloads etc & get the one without mobile wifi, that way they only have wifi access with you at home & nit in the school yard etc - make sure they know the deal is that you get their passwords to all sites & let them know you are monitoring everything they do & you will just be fine - if anything it's a great tool for teaching them safe & sensible internet use

DS was 8 when he asked for one, he saved up Christmas/birthday/pocket money and asked for odd jobs from anyone who would give him a little money for some weeding/tidying. I was really proud he saved and worked for the money himself and he bloody deserved it when he finally had enough on his 9th birthday.

YABU It is a necessity for many secondary pupils, and if they get one a few years early, they have a chance to become familiar with it. there are some much cheaper options on the market now.Parental controls are easy to install, poopoopeedoo

DDs friend got an ipad at 6. Another got a samsung smart phone. I just can't agree with this at all! My DD uses my ipad, no need for a phone yet, am going to hold off as long as I can.

In our household,2 adults, 2dc we all have an iPad each. Dh,me and dd (14) have iPhones. Ds (11) has an android smartphone, he has to prove he can look after it b4 he can have an iPhone.

Both dc have Facebook/Instagram/twitter etc

The internet is permanently on with no restrictions. But we have rules which the dc follow. ie, no using their devices after bedtime.

'In app' purchases are banned but they each have a budget for app/music purchases of £6. They know the password but must ask before they purchase.

At times I will spot check what they are accessing but they are responsible and we regularly discuss what is/is not appropriate on line.

Dd got an ipad for her 8th bday, she loves it does homework on it and plays games. I think it's a good think they know how to use them.

DD2 is 13, she has surfed the net 'willy nilly' since she was 6 (well 3 actually, since she knew her way round CBBeeies far better than me.

For her generation and all DCs younger than her it's utterly natural.

Oddly she doesn't want Face Book, she snap chats and instergrams and knows not to put to much info on the net. As I say she's the first generation to have never known a world without it. (DD1(16) sort of see why it's still magic, DD2 doesn't)

So to today's DCs laptops, tablets, iPods are just part of life.

The only thing I would agree with is smart phones. I really do think iPhones and decent android phones are far too expensive for young DCs to lose or break and too easy to run up bills on. In any case under 10's shouldn't be in their own enough to need a phone.

DD1 had one in Y6 as DH once dropped her at dancing forgetting it was cancelled and a certain amount of fun was caused.

My DS got his iPad when he was 10 and it probably his joint favourite thing with his xbox. I don't think 8/9 is too you as long as all the appropriate safeguards are in place so they can't have I appropriate apps etc.

DDs who were 9 and 5 at Xmastime got an iPad Air and an iPad mini for Xmas this year. Older child has a PAYG smart phone she bought with her own money last year. They still go out and play and all the other things kids do.

My dd is nearly 9 and doesn't have an ipad or a phone, but quite a lot of her friends do have tablets. I don't think it's a big deal really, as long as internet use etc is monitored properly.

(I used to be told off because I was always reading

Yes I had this too. My mum was always telling me off for reading as a kid.

My younger brother had a Commodore 16 (it was the 80s) he was about 11 when he got it.
I realise children need access to technology due to it being needed for school but smartphones at such a young age? It just makes me feel sad.

YANBU to think that YOUR child should not have an ipad however YABU to think that children shouldn't have one at that age. As it is all the replies point towards you being in the minority.

Be confident in your own parenting choices and do what you believe for you and your family but don't judge others who do differently.