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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

In thinking an Ipod Touch is too much for a 9 year old?

45 replies

MadameDefarge · 07/12/2009 12:26

Ds' father has decided to give him an ipod touch for Xmas. I think this is way too much for a nine year old to have, and I am worried about the internet access...

Am I being over-protective? His father thinks I am.

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Lauriefairyonthetreeeatscake · 07/12/2009 12:29

beyond ridiculous giving unlimited internet access to a 9 year old.

If he does buy it then you need to delete the internet access or try and install a shield of some kind to limit access to inappropriate websites.

Also is he going to be paying for the contract? if so it will cost loads for ds to go on the internet, if pay as you go it will run out very quick and you could just not top it up.

Original poster
MadameDefarge · 07/12/2009 12:29

I suppose I want to told IABU, as there is nothing I can do to stop him....

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Original poster
MadameDefarge · 07/12/2009 12:30

hi laurie, I have no idea...but isn't it free on wifi? I am an ipod touch virgin (As cannot justify spending that amount on myself).

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Original poster
MadameDefarge · 07/12/2009 12:32

He says he will use parental controls on it...

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twooter · 07/12/2009 12:32

yes, it is free if you have wifi already

Earlybird · 07/12/2009 12:32

If your child is receiving such expensive and 'grown up' gifts at age 9, what in heaven's name does your dh think he'll be giving your ds at 13 (even then, an i-pod touch is, imo, needlessly extravagant)?

twooter · 07/12/2009 12:35

but they aren't that much more than a ds, and the games are a lot, lot cheaper. don't think its a bad present tbh. but if he does get it, definitely get a proper case - if it gets dropped and the screen gets smashed, its v expensive to replace

Lauriefairyonthetreeeatscake · 07/12/2009 12:35

Well I would want to see the parental controls working and to make sure there is no 'cost' to you if its using your wi-fi.

Its probably a moot point anyway - a 9 year old will drop it down the loo before the month is up

TanteRose · 07/12/2009 12:35

We are planning to get DS an iPod for his 11th birthday next April, and he wants an iPod Touch...we have said no way! His sister has a Nano and that's what he'll be getting.
I told him he can buy himself an iPod Touch, or an iPhone when he is a working member of society and earns a wage!!!!!

Original poster
MadameDefarge · 07/12/2009 12:35

earlybird, he is a total twat, hence being exp. But he is gadget boy and always has been. I'm sure when ds is 13 there will some other piece of ludicrously expensive nonsense to purchase for him...

I am really not happy about it. But ds is very sensible about stuff so I hope i can impress upon him things which he can and can't do with it.

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Original poster
MadameDefarge · 07/12/2009 12:38

ok twooter, that is somewhat reassuring. EXp has come out with all sorts of bollox rationales about it supporting his learning, as there are musical notation apps, and a french app...

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AccioPinotGrigio · 07/12/2009 12:39

Just don't configure the wi-fi at home? At 9 years of age I guess he isn't hanging out alone in many establishments with free wi-fi connection, which would be the other worry, accessing the internet when not at home.

As far as I know you may be able to block certain websites via your own wireless router or by using another computer at home as a proxy - out of my depth here perhaps some tech-head can come along and advise.

Apart from the internet access issue I am intrigued to know why you think an ipod touch is too much for a 9 year old?

AccioPinotGrigio · 07/12/2009 12:40

With reference to a post earlier on - I don't think there are parental controls on an ipod touch. I would check that out if that is what your ex is telling you.

BadgersPaws · 07/12/2009 12:42

I "think" the only supplied restrictions are simple ones such as not allowing certain apps to run.

So either it can browse the internet, or it can't.

There are meant to be some third party "net nanny" type filters available but I don't know much about them...

Original poster
MadameDefarge · 07/12/2009 12:45

Accio, he has wii, a dsi, psp, gameboy, controlled access to a pc....etc etc...how much techno gubbins does he need to have?

It just seems like it won't help him appreciate the worth of anything if exp just buys more and more expensive junk gadgets when a good french/english dictionary and properly supervised piano practice would do the trick.

I mean, this is the man who has paid no child support for six years...yet has plenty of dosh to splash around on this kind of stuff.

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chopstheduck · 07/12/2009 12:45

I think you should just do what accio said - don't configure the net access. If you don't give him the wireless key and check there aren't any unsecured networks available at home I don't think you will have any problems.

GetOrfMoiLand · 07/12/2009 12:47

Is a pretty extravagant present for a 9 year old, I would be worried that he would lose it or drop it and smash the screen. I am getting dd an Ipid classic for Christmas, but she is 14 and able to look after things, I don't think I would have awnted her to have such a valuable present at the age of 9.

Thing is there is proaobly nothing you can do if your ex has decided to get it for him.

Ewe · 07/12/2009 12:47

My 10yr old DBro has one, I don't think he even knows it has internet access, certainly doesn't use it to surf the internet although does use the internet to download games and apps obviously.

I think YAB a bit U, your DS will love it, you can disable the internet access.

Original poster
MadameDefarge · 07/12/2009 12:47

thing is, he is living with exp during the week at the moment, for school, so I have very little control over the stuff he does during the week, and exp has already said he will not entirely disable the internet access.

Maybe I just need to breath very deeply.

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Lauriefairyonthetreeeatscake · 07/12/2009 12:49

No child support - that is really crappy, I'm sure you've called the CSA and he is 'avoiding' by doing cash in hand or something but really that is dreadful.

Original poster
MadameDefarge · 07/12/2009 12:49

Ewe, that is reassuring, I think I may just have to, ah, "suck it up"

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Buda · 07/12/2009 12:50

Suggest he gets him a Nano instead?

DS is 8 and wants an iPod for Xmas - I looked at the Touch but thought no way! FAR too much. So he has the new Nano and he will be made up as he just expects it to be like DH's one - doesn't know that there is a camera on it now. I think that is more than enough for an 8 year old.

Jux · 07/12/2009 12:50

Personally, I'd take twooter's advice, and drop it forthwith. If the screen's smashed then DS's father can replace it, or it can lie broken in the cupboard that all other broken things are kept in until such time as they're chucked.

OK, that was naughty, but don't worry if he's careless with it.

Original poster
MadameDefarge · 07/12/2009 12:51

he hasn't worked properly in that time, his parents have supported him while he retrained in a profession...I gave up long ago making an issue of it, as he only withdrew from ds if challenged.

I am a saint. I am a saint. I am a saint....

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Original poster
MadameDefarge · 07/12/2009 12:52

Buda, I did suggest a nano but nope. has to be touch.

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