Is it worth investing in a children's tablet?

After months locked up at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents around the world realized the importance of trusting new technologies as a support in this period. If the baby monitor of the 80's/90's generation was television or video games, the children's tablet came to overturn this position. Whether to help with studies or for pure entertainment, allowing parents to handle the home office and household chores, this tool is here to stay. But with so many traditional models available on the market, is it worth buying an exclusive one for the little ones?

What is a children's tablet

Like any tablet, the device works by touch screen, making its use totally intuitive, even for children who are not yet literate. The difference is in the content available, fully focused on the age group of the child, whether it is in the so-called second childhood or pre-literacy (3 to 6 years old) or third childhood (6 to 12 years old), when literacy is already being worked on, among other pedagogical content. more complex, such as mathematical notions, science, history, geography, among others.

But of course, in addition to being an educational tool, the children's tablet is mainly used for children's entertainment. Games, videos, movies are among the most consumed content and, unlike a conventional tablet or smartphone, the children's model is already fully configured from the factory to not display adult content, whether related to violence, drugs, sex and the like.

In addition to the programs available and levels of content security mentioned above, the main difference between the conventional and children's model is in its physical structure. Childhood is a stage of life in which the motor system is developing, in addition to which every child has their natural agitation. Therefore, the device needs to be protected from more frequent falls and dirt such as food, paints, earth and everything that is part of any child's routine.

Because of this “extra” protection, the price of children's models are more expensive than conventional ones. It is also possible to buy an extra support that works as a protective cover, available in various colors and also character themes. Finally, it is also important to emphasize that the children's tablet has a different size to fit in the little hands of children, being, in general, those with a 7-inch screen.

And can conventional tablets be used by children? Certainly, it is even common for parents to lend their personal use devices for their children to consume games and children's content. The difference is that there is no customization with access control systems for sensitive content, or pre-installed interfaces and programs aimed at children.

What pediatricians say about tablet use for children

In 2019, the World Health Organization (OMS) began to classify “video game addiction” as a disease to be treated by psychiatrists. Another point that resonated a lot among parents was the recent documentary by Netflix "The Network Dilemma ”, in which the developers of giants like Instagram, Facebook e Pinterest say that they do not allow their children to use the technological tools they helped to create. 

According to Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP), the issue of use is closely related to the time of exposure of the child, associated with other activities they perform, especially “non-sedentary” activities (sports, dancing, outdoor games, etc.).

"Especially in this moment of a pandemic, when social distance is in force, it is important to reflect on the functional use of the digital world. The general recommendation is that the time in front of screens (computers, tablets, TVs and cell phones) be limited, since the inappropriate use of technology can bring harm to children of all age groups."

Dr. Marco Antonio Chaves – Brazilian Society of Pediatrics

So moderation! Establish time limits and regulated use. After all, every child needs to play and engage socially with others of their age, no matter how convenient it is for parents to use a children's tablet.

Choose the best kids tablet for your kids

Now that you know more about children's tablets, we bring you a selection of models. When choosing, take into account the age range of your children to make the best purchase option — in addition to your budget, of course.

Multilaser Kid Pad Go children's tablet

Screen size: 7 ″ | Processor: Quad Core | Storage: 16GB RAM memory: 1GB | Frontal camera: 1.3MP | Battery: 2000mAh| 

If you are looking for value for money, combined with the look of your child's favorite character, the children's tablet Multilaser Kid Pad Go meets these expectations. With the lowest suggested value among the tablets on the list, in addition to offering a line of gadgets customized according to characters in the franchise Marvel, Disney even Brazilian characters like Monica's Gang e Painted Chicken.

the children's tablet Multilaser Kid Pad Go can be found in stores like Magazine Luiza for the average price of R$350,00.

Ematic Kids Playtime Pad 7 Tablet 

Screen size: 7 ″ | Processor: Quad-Core 1,3GHz | Storage: 16GB RAM memory: 1GB | Back camera: 2 SM Frontal camera: 2MP | Battery:  2000mAh

If you are looking for security, the Ematic Kids Playtime It is the best tablet for children in this regard, with a 100% playful environment and pedagogical content designed to teach and entertain.

O Ematic Kids Playtime Pad 7 has an average selling price of R$2.000,00 in marketplaces , the Americans.

iPad Mini 5

Screen size: 7.9 ″ | Processor: A12 Bionic | Storage: 64GB RAM memory: 3GB | Back camera: 8MP | Frontal camera: 7MP | Battery: 5.124mAh

Of all the iPads in Apple , the best tablet for children is the iPad Mini 5 because of its compact size and the differential application of the use of Apple Pencil, accessory sold separately, which allows an expansion of use in more pedagogical activities. The model offers storage options of 64GB and 256GB (non-expandable), and data connection only via Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + 4G.

O iPad Mini 5 is on sale in Brazilian retail, on sites such as Submarino, from R$3.599,00.

Galaxy Tab A 8″

Screen size: 8 ″ | Processor: Quad-Core 2GHz | Storage: 32GB RAM memory: 2GB | Back camera: 8.1MP | Frontal camera: 2.2MP | Battery: 5100mAh

O A Galaxy Tab 8" offers a starter menu for children with native applications unique to the children's universe, both educational and recreational. With 32GB storage, it is possible to increase the capacity using a microSD up to 512GB.

O Galaxy Tab A 8″ is available in stores like Americans for the average price of R$989,00.

Galaxy Tab A7

Screen size: 10.4 ″ | Processor: Octa-Core 2.0GHz | Storage: 64GB RAM memory: 3GB | Back camera: 8MP | Frontal camera: 5MP | Battery: 7040mAh

O Galaxy Tab A7 It is a great tablet that can be used by children, mainly because of its great resistance. Being shockproof, it can be a good choice for the age group up to 5 years old, when motor coordination is not yet fully developed — and your child will certainly run out and drop the tablet at various times.

The 10,4″ display and the large 7040mAh battery guarantee your little one hours of entertainment with movies, drawings and all video content. The Galaxy Tab A7 comes with a unique 64GB storage option, expandable via microSD card, and can come in either wifi-only or wifi+0G configuration.

you find the Galaxy Tab A7 in store like Americans for the average price of R$1.499,00.

Sources: Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, PC e Everything Extra.