Tablets such as the iPad provide a variety of interesting activities and great education opportunities for young people.

However, it is important to be aware of what these devices can do and how you can talk with your child to help them to use this technology in safe and positive way.

Three steps for parents:

1. Understand the capabilities of the iPod Touch, iPad, Kindle Fires and other tablets and media-players – these devices can access the internet. If you are buying a device and want to find out more about internet access and available safety tools, why not print this Shopper’s Checklist and ask these questions in the shop?
2. Understand the potential risks and how you as a parent can support your child to be smart and safe. The same advice that you give your child about keeping safe online applies to internet-connected devices. For information about parental controls available see these iPad or iPod Touch tips as well as tips for the Kindle Fire.
3. Talk with your child about using their device safely and responsibly and agree a set of family rules. Perhaps you could agree rules with your child about not meeting up with people they have only met online, how much they are allowed to spend on apps, what websites it’s okay and not okay to visit, and whether their phone should be switched off at night. See this sample Family Agreement for more ideas. Remember that devices like the iPad and iPod Touch connect to the internet, so the same advice and rules for keeping safe online apply.

Useful links for parents: