For Kids, Android Is Safer Than iOS

With the school year under way and the holiday season looming, a lot of kids are asking for (and getting) a new mobile device.

Whatever sort of device you choose, it’s important to turn on the appropriate parental controls. But before you decide on a gadget, you should be aware that some will be easier to control than others — and when it comes to parental controls, kids are much better off with an Android device rathern than an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

Android devices give you access to apps that permit deeper levels of control and monitoring without requiring technical know-how to set up.

Devices Designed for Kids (and Parents)

Family Guardian can be installed on existing Android devices, but starting this year, more and more Android tablets aimed at kids come with this level of parental control built in.

Earlier this summer, Techno Source released its Android tablet for children age 5 and up, the Kurio 7. This tablet has an Android skin similar to what you’ll find on Samsung or HTC devices, but it’s much more involved. The skin lets you set up several different profiles on the Kurio, including an administrative profile for you and a restricted profile for the kids.

Restrictions let you block app downloads, in-app purchases and specific apps (even when they’re already installed) and limit websites in the browser. Because you can have multiple profiles, you can personalize restrictions for each child (and grownups, too, should they want to use the device).

Amazon recently introduced Kindle FreeTime controls with its new line of Kindle Fire HD tablets. Set up multiple profiles, restrict access on a schedule, and choose the content kids are allowed to see and use.

When the holiday shopping season gets under way, we’re likely to see still more tablets suitable for kids and young teens. Thankfully, manufacturers are moving away from designing tablets that look like toys or something best suited for toddlers for kids older than 4.