At What Age Do You Let Your Kids Play Tablets?

Hiya. My oldest is turning 4 in a couple of months and I let her play on my tablet from time to time. There are certain apps she knows she's allowed access to, and I make sure that any apps she plays have parental controls that I can use to stop her from doing things like making purchases (with my credit card!). I try not to hover over her shoulder when she's playing on it, but I do make sure I'm aware of what she's doing and limit the time she's allowed on it.

Personally I'm a firm believer in 'everything in moderation', and while I do my best to make sure that my kids are able to entertain themselves independantly (without technology), I don't see any harm in allowing them time to play with things like tablets, or to watch TV, or play on the computer - as long as they're supervised, their time in front of a screen is limited, and proper use and good habits are/can be established (no devices at the dinner table, for example).

American Academy of Paediatrics and the UK equivalent, recommend NO screen time for children until they are at least 3 years old. My son is two years 3 months and so far has watched no TV and never been on a computer or tablet. Multiple studies have shown that the more screen time young children and babies have, the more likely they are to develop behavioural difficulties later on in life (note that this is a likelihood, not a guarantee! Many children interact with screens at a young age and are fine behaviourally).


Many uninformed people think that kids need to be on these things early because it will be part of their life and they will be disadvantaged if they don't get in early. Actually, again, studies have shown no detrimental effect to delaying 'screens' until kids are three...and don't forget Bill Gates probably didn't see a computer screen until he was at least 10..and look where he is now...hardly a Luddite!

Personally I think it defeats the purpose if you go out to a family dinner and half the family are transfixed by their tablets/smart phones etc.

IMHO, it's far better to have kids spending time playing creatively and interacting with other kids and adults than hypnotized by a screen!

In my opinion, I will let my baby use tablet at 12 years old. Under 12 is the time for children to develop all body function including eyes. If we let children playing with tablet so early, it harms their eyes. I will let my baby play healthy activities like going to the park, riding the bike, or playing sport,...