Safe Luxury

iPad Security for Kids - Is there a home security app for parents to keep kids safe online on an iPad?

My 6-year-old has taken a fancy for my iPad, so I let him play games on it and explore it for a while. To be clear, I don't plan on getting him an iPad but I'm okay letting him explore the tablet device when it's free. So I want to know if any parents or others with kids use an iPad home security app that keeps kids safe online -- and has uses beyond that as well? I'm open to all suggestions.

Public Comments

1. There aren't any kid-specific security apps but you can look into a software called HidePad that encrypts your internet connection and keeps your kids anonymous online: http://hidepad.annics.com Essentially, this is similar to having a "sandbox" environment where children get to explore the device but you set the rules so that personal information and identities are protected. I have a sweet little nephew who's 5 years old and like any other curious kid that age enjoys "tapping" on the iPad a lot. There's nothing wrong with it as long as it's done in moderation. Just like PCs and laptops have kid-safe browsers, the closest I've seen on an iPad (in terms of a pure security system) is the Hidepad app. You could also look into parental control software in addition to this app, for an extra layer of security. Hope this helps :)
2. At six there's very little danger of him getting scammed by someone in Morocco who lost their passport or seduced. I'd be most worried about the marketing but, apparently, I'm over reacting. Read the articles below and relax.