iPad Rules: Basics of Restrictions and Rewards

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It has come to my attention that some parents are having trouble with iPad access and rules. You can keep control of it with a little tech knowledge.
On the iPad there is a Settings icon, touch that and go there.

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Under General there is the heading Restrictions

image via:  http://appletoolbox.com/2011/12/how-to-setup-parental-controls-on-an-ipad/ 

Touch it and Set Passcode, if you haven't already.

image via:  http://appletoolbox.com/2011/12/how-to-setup-parental-controls-on-an-ipad/  

After you have set the pass code go into Restrictions, enter the code and turn off all functions you don't want your child to have.
We turn off Safari (the Internet), YouTube, Downloading Apps, Deleting Apps and In-App Purchases.
Once you have set those, and exited settings, you can give it to your child and feel pretty safe they are not going to see anything untoward or run up your iTunes bill.

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Your iTunes also has a password, make sure to keep BOTH the iTunes password and the Restrictions codes secret from your children. I haven't had to change the iTunes code yet. If they happen to crack your code on the iPad, you will have to go in and change it. You can do that by going back into Restrictions and hitting Disable Restrictions. Then hit the same bar again, only this time it will say Enable Restrictions, put in the new Passcode, go back and turn off the options you don't want.

image via:  http://www.worldstart.com/ipad-restrictions/

We have had to change the restrictions codes on both their iPads since they cracked the codes. I now make them leave the room when I am entering codes, so they can't see me entering them. I have also had to make the Restrictions Passcode an obscure one, rather than one of the ones we commonly use for other things, like Netflix or Lego.com or individual user passwords.

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We also have some rules around iPad use. They are only allowed to use it when they have earned it with good behavior. With Sensi it is a potty prize of sorts. She has to go number two at least once every 24-36 hours or she loses her iPad privileges. If she has no reward, she will just hold it for days. She also will get involved in the iPad or Netflix and forget to go when she needs to. iPad use as a reward is motivating for her to even try to go. This works for us.
Random Guy can use his after he has finished his homework and has had appropriate behavior. He is now ten and getting very sassy. The possibility of not getting to use his iPad has kept some of that behavior in check.
 Also there are no iPads an hour before sleep time. They can use it to wind down in the evening, but I take it from them an hour before sleep time. There is some evidence that iPad use interferes with sleep.

image via:  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/04/parents-sue-apple-for-in-app-and-in-game-purchases-made-by-kids/

We take iPads and recharge them in our bedroom at night, so we know where the iPads are and can shut down any programs running in the background.
Apps and in-app purchases are also doled out for good behavior. If Sensi wants a book off her MeeGenius app or Random Guy from his Doctor Who comics platform they have to ask for it and good behavior has to have been followed for that day. Random Guy is also working toward a Minecraft app by getting ready for school in the morning without delay or complaining. We are on week three of trying to earn this app.
Be careful about what apps you load on your child's device. Since you are in control of the app purchases, even free ones, (since you have the iTunes code,) don't let them have any old app they choose. Look at what others have said about the apps you are about to purchase. CommonSenseMedia.org is a good site, there are many others that rate and review apps.

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If there is an app that causes a problem, (like Talking Ben,) you can delete it. It will stay in your iTunes library if you ever want it back, but it doesn't have to stay on your kid's iPad if it is causing trouble.
So there you have the Savvy Advocate Mom iPad basic rules and regulations. Happy e-play.

Sources:
appletoolbox.com/how-to-setup-parental-controls-on-an-ipad
http://www.worldstart.com/ipad-restrictions/
http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/resources/newsroom/pr_story.asp?id=235