How to Childproof Your iPad

Newer iPads can take photographs.

The sounds, the bright colors and the touchpad interface of the iPad is like a gingerbread house, attracting children. So much so that Mike Elgan of "PC World Magazine" has called the iPad the best children's toy of the year. When the iPhone came out, the touchscreen allowed children to intuitively control this miniature computer, and the iPad is the same but on a larger scale. However, children can still destroy or make unwanted changes to your iPad. Childproof it to be certain no data are lost or a valued app is not deleted. Change a few of your iPad's settings to make it the ultimate kid-friendly play thing.

Things You'll Need

• iPad
• Sync cable
• Home computer

Instructions

1. 

   Use iTunes on your home computer to back up your data.

   Back up your iPad to your home computer with its sync cable as often as you can to prevent losing data. Your home computer keeps all of your data safely backed up, so you can always sync it back onto the iPad.

2. Press the home button at the bottom of your iPad to make some setting changes that prevent your child from ruining your tablet computer. Slide the opening screen to take you to your screen with all of the apps.

3. Press the "Settings" app. Select "General" on the left side to look at your general settings. Press "Passcode Lock" to create a lock on your iPad so your child cannot use it without a password. Select "Turn Passcode On" and input a four-digit password. Leave the "Erase Data" on the "Off" setting to prevent the iPad from erasing all of the data after 10 failed passcode attempts.

4. Press "General" on the left side again to return to the previous screen. Press "Restrictions" and examine which settings you want to change. For most children, turning off the "Installing Apps," "Deleting Apps" and "In-App Purchases" is sufficient. Press "Enable Restrictions" at the top to turn on this function.

5. Press "Wi-Fi" on the left side to return to the previous screen. Slide it to "Off." Also, slide the "Airplane Mode" to "Off." This turns off the Wi-Fi, stopping children from surfing the Internet, and it prevents any controversial radio waves from emanating from the device.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a strong protective case so your iPad is protected against accidental drops.

• Place a protective cover over the iPad's home button to prevent children from pressing it repeatedly.

• Once your child is older and more responsible, turn off the "Game Center" controls in “Multiplayer Games” and “Adding Friends." This prevents strangers from contacting your children while playing online video games.

• You can limit the highest volume on the iPad once your child is old enough to listen to music on headphones.

• Young children need adult supervision when using the iPad.

References

• "PC World"; Why iPad Is the 'Children's Toy of the Year'; Mike Elgan
• Kid Friendly iPad: Childproof your iPad
• Wired: Childproof Your Smartphone or Tablet