Tips for Hand-Me-Down Tech Gifts

If your child is clamoring for a computer, tablet, or a smartphone, there’s nothing wrong with giving them your old device when you trade up for a new one. In a survey of parents of 2- to 10-year-olds, PBS KIDS found that nearly a quarter of parents will find a second life for their personal tech devices this holiday season, passing their used mobile phones and computers to their kids when they get new ones for themselves. Computers (54 percent) and mobile devices (38 percent) will be the most passed down.

While hand-me-downs certainly save a family money, it’s also important to prepare those devices properly before putting them in the hands of your kids.  PBS Kids advises parents to do the following to ensure that devices are ready to use regardless of the age of your child:

• Sweep it: All devices should be cleaned of any content including personal files, credit card information, etc. before handing down to kids. Parents should swipe all their browser “cookies” and perform an application sweep.

• Secure it: There are parental controls on most tech devices that can turn certain features on and off. Settings on the iPhone, for example, that can be restricted include explicit song titles, Internet browser, YouTube, iTunes and the camera.

• Set limits: As with any new toy, parents should set expectations and limitations with their kids when the device is handed down, and should encourage other forms of learning and play beyond the screen.

• Find the right apps for your child: A good app is the perfect combination of education and entertainment, and should be appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development.

• Avoid apps that try to sell: Apps labeled “lite” or “free” often attempt to make money by trying to sell virtual items while a child is playing a game, or link to another related app that requires payment to download. Select apps from trusted, reliable sources, and make sure that they are not trying to market to your child. 

Technology can be a fabulous gift but only when there is thought put into making it safe and age appropriate. Do some research to ensure that the software and apps that come with the device are the best ones for your child’s age and abilities. 

For content suggestions, take a look at the apps I’ve reviewed.  I’ve also been privy to look at some of the newest PBS Kids mobile apps that promote educational play with favorite characters including:

Fetch! Lunch Rush (free, iPhone/iPod Touch)— This app is PBS KIDS First augmented reality app.  The app uses the camera on iPhone or iPod touch to overlay computer-generated graphics on top of the physical, real-world environment. The 3D game printables to help kids visualize the math problems they are solving during play.  It’s definitely a cool cutting edge app and perfect for ages 6+.

SUPER WHY Alpha Boost ($2.99, iPhone/iPod Touch)— Preschoolers who love interacting with the touch screen will enjoy practicing their letters and other beginning reading skills by being Wonder Red, Alpha Pig, Super Why, or Princess Presto as they search the sky for “super letters” and interact with content that reinforces letter recognition and letter sounds.  Kids will love the storybook adventure format that mimics the beloved show.

SID Science Fair ($2.99, iPhone/iPod Touch)— Reinforce a love of science and math with Sid and his friends. Kids ages 3-6 will enjoy using their magnifying glass to look for patterns in common objects, sequencing with Gerald, and an introduction to statistics through Chart It.  I only wish stats had been this fun when I took it in college and grad school!

LITTLE PIM French and Spanish ($2.99, iPad)— The same great language learning that is conveyed through their DVD, CDs, and books is also available for the iPad for kids who want to practice their developing language skills on the go.  Don't forget to enter my Little Pim gift set giveaway!

Some information used in this post was provided by PBS Kids. I was invited to attend a media event at PBS Kids headquarters this fall for a look at the apps but all opinions are my own. No compensation was received for this post.