We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

Is an iPod touch suitable for 9 year old?

My son has asked for the last two years for an iPod touch. He is asking again for his up coming birthday

I am not particularly technically savy and not sure what the features are what can be turned on or off and what if any are the concerns for a 9 year old.

He has a camera and he has a ds and has access to the family wii.

I think it is more peer pressure

Thanks

Comments

  • Spendless
    Spendless Posts: 24,347 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    My 9yo adored hers that she got for Christmas. Unfortunately it only lasted a month before she left it in her coat pocket and it went in the washing machine by accident! If you're going to get one, I'd suggest a rule about where it goes when not in use.
  • koalamummy
    koalamummy Posts: 1,577 Forumite
    You can turn almost everything off on it if you want to. The parental controls are really quite extensive and you can disallow any features that you want to. If you want want tight control over Internet access there are also apps such as mobicip which can be installed for a fee that you can set up to block all kinds of material that you feel is unsuitable.
  • debjay
    debjay Posts: 2,091 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    My 10 year old niece has one and loves it. However, I think it needs adult supervision re Internet access and messaging.
  • balletshoes
    balletshoes Posts: 16,610 Forumite
    yes, my DD had her ipod touch at age 8 or 9, she loved it and used it a lot.

    I have a rule with all her electronics, always have had - it doesn't leave the house unless its in my bag.
  • jackomdj
    jackomdj Posts: 3,073 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    My 8 year old had one for Christmas.

    As well as other limits already mentioned she does not know her password so can not get apps without my authorisation!
  • To put it another way, an iPod Touch is as suitable as any computer is for a child. Keep an eye on internet access. Set up a new Apple ID or ensure the kid doesn't know your Apple password (so they can't run up a huge bill on your iTunes account).

    A toddler (mine) can play game apps on an iPod Touch so I'm pretty sure a 9 year old can find their way around it quite easily. ;)
  • balletshoes
    balletshoes Posts: 16,610 Forumite
    absolutely - my DD has no access to itunes on her own, its my password and my email the receipts come to, she doesn't know what the password is.
  • onlyroz
    onlyroz Posts: 17,661 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Yes it's suitable. But for the same money you could get a tablet like a kindle fire or a nexus 7, which will be even better.
  • Rebecca01
    Rebecca01 Posts: 725 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Aslong as you turn off in app purchases then yes it will be fine. There are some good educational games. My 4 year old loves reading raven on my old iphone. She loves the games to but I do monitor that.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 346.7K Banking & Borrowing
  • 251.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 451.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 238.9K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 614.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 174.8K Life & Family
  • 252.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.