From reading the news on your tablet to completing work projects on your Mac^® computer, machines are a part of everyday life. However, computers aren’t just for adults. More and more children are also experiencing the benefits of technology in school and at home. Here are a few tips for helping your kids use technology wisely. 

3 Tips for Kid-Friendly Tech Use 

1. Find Smart Options

Technology is revolutionizing education in classrooms and beyond. You can use technology to reinforce the lessons your child learns in school and help them explore interests independently. If your child is younger than school age, there are also plenty of TV shows, games, and apps designed specifically for little ones to encourage learning and development. In the App Store^®, you’ll find categories specifically geared toward kids and learning, with the appropriate ages and developmental stages specified.

2. Supervise Internet Usage

The internet is like a vast alternate universe. It provides your child with a gateway to endless amounts of information, in addition to various entertainment options and social opportunities. However, while the internet consists of an infinite potential for good, it can also be hazardous. The best way to protect your child from potential threats is to set up parental controls on any Mac computer or tablet your child uses. These are accessible through most devices by going to “Settings,” “General,” and “Restrictions.” Parental controls filter out sites with adult content and explicit material; many also make it easy to monitor what sites your child visits, which you can also do by going to the browser history tab. If you use the same device as your child, try setting up different profiles with user-specific logins and settings. 

3. Set Limits

Children who spend too much time in front of a screen may experience health issues, including excess weight gain, decreased physical ability, and a shortened attention span. The best way to prevent screen addiction and help your child stay healthy and active is to limit their screen time each day. Make sure the majority of their time at a Mac computer is spent on education-related activities and limit recreational screen time, such as playing video games or watching TV, to two hours a day. 

If you’re a parent in the Hillsborough County, FL, area who is looking for your child’s first Mac computer, tablet, or cellphone, turn to Experimac North Tampa. This locally owned shop provides reliable computer repairs and quality pre-owned Apple^® products. Call (813) 280-2620 to speak with a friendly team member about their services, or visit their website to see their inventory of certified products.