What tablets can do for your kids

Bringing your young children with you on holidays or when you go out to eat can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a real test of patience for the whole family. It’s lucky these days that you can get help from technology to keep your kids entertained while doing the things that they’d otherwise get antsy during. While handing them your phone is an easy solution, having a tablet you can give them means you won’t have to give up using your phone assuming you have an eligible data plan and coverage.

Long car trips

Got a long car trip coming up? For some kids, anything longer than the usual grocery trip can be too long, so giving them a tablet or strapping one to the back of a car seat can be the difference between a million ‘Are we there yet’ questions while the kids bounce around, and a peaceful drive to start and end your holiday.

Being out and about

Going out to restaurants and cafes doesn’t have to be hectic as you juggle enjoying a meal you haven’t prepared in a public place and managing your little ones. A tablet can be a great way to occupy them, so they don’t decide to entertain themselves in a more disruptive way.

Plane travel

Plane trips can be boring and uncomfortable for adults, let alone kids with less patience and a shorter attention span. Tablets are great for bumpy take-offs and landings, or God forbid getting stuck on the tarmac. Especially with some domestic flights not having entertainment options included in the ticket price, save your money with a tablet loaded with your kids’ favourite shows and games.

Taking a break

Of course, there’s always just the need to get a bit of a break. Engaging your kids while taking some time for yourself, or catching up on stuff you need to do, is a true gift. Take the time you deserve, while knowing that the kids are also having a great time. It can be a reward for both of you!

Tablets aren’t all just purely fun and games, there are plenty of educational shows and games that combine fun with learning. ABC iView has a big range of educational kids shows including Numberblocks which teaches maths skills, Pencil Pals which teaches grammar and spelling, and Horrible Histories which teaches history through comedy sketches.

Digital Thumbprint resources

Optus Digital Thumbprint has a range of guides and quizzes that helps families learn more about being safe online covering a range of topics.

First Phone Readiness 

The First Phone Readiness Quiz can help you decide whether your child might be ready for their own smartphone, and what are the things to look out for after they get their first device.

The quiz is supported by a guide with conversation starters and family activities. Both resources are aimed at encouraging parents to talk to their kids about responsible technology and provide them with a starting point for those important conversations.

Digital Identity

Learn more about protecting your online identity with the Safeguard your child’s privacy on popular apps and games family guide and Protecting personal information quiz.

Passphrases, passwords and MFA

Strong security skills are the first step to protecting your information online. For support to help keep your child safe online see the related family guide, tween guide and quiz.

Blocking unwanted contact

Positive connections can quickly become unwanted contact online. To help your child stay safe from malicious strangers see the related family guide and quiz.

Hackers, scammers and fake friends

Not everyone is who they claim to be online. For digital defence moves to teach your child see the Recognising hackers, scammers and fake friends family guide and quiz.

Also the Hackers, scammers and fake friends tween guide and quiz. To help families talk about staying safe online there’s the Stay ahead of scams through family discussions family guide.

Cyberbullying

Empower your child to be an upstander when it comes to cyberbullying. To help your child understand what is considered cyberbullying and what to do about it see the related family guide or tween guide and quiz.

Digital Balance

For tips and tricks on how to set your child up with healthy digital habits see the Balancing time online: How can I talk about healthy screen habits family guide, Lifehacks for a balanced time online tween guide and Digital Balance quiz.

Optus Digital Thumbprint supports digital safety and wellbeing for young people and families. Find out more at www.digitalthumbprint.com.au

Get your family school ready

Choose from our range of best for school devices, plans and more.

There’s always nerves and excitement at the start of a school year. Being prepared and confident starts with great technology choices and expert tips that set your family up for schooling success. We’ll help you get school ready with our range of great value tablets, first phones, accessories, home internet, Optus Network features in My Optus app and more – all at Optus.