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"With the school year under way and the holiday season looming, a lot of kids are asking for (and getting) a new mobile device. \nWhatever 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 \u2014 and when it comes to parental controls, kids are much better off with an Android device rathern than an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. \nAndroid devices give you access to apps that permit deeper levels of control and monitoring without requiring technical know-how to set up.\nWhat's Possible and What's Not\nIt's possible to cobble together some basic parental controls for iOS devices using the Settings and a good third-party browser. Within the past year, Apple has made it possible to block access to in-app purchases, and you can set up iTunes to ask for a password every time someone attempts to download an app.\nHowever, it's not possible to disable every app, usually only those from Apple (and not even all of those). There's no way to turn off the video or music player, only to restrict media by content. And it's not possible to restrict the hours when kids can use their devices by setting a timer.\nThis deep level of control isn't available by default on Android devices, either. However, because the operating system gives developers more options, it's possible to get all of this and more from a third-party app.\n\"Android... provides greater flexibility for developers to build applications that provide safety and protection for children,\" says Gavin Kim, chief product officer for NQ Mobile. \"The Android platform will more likely have the latest, compelling, easy to use digital parenting tools to help [parents] keep children safe and protected on mobile devices.\"\n\nNQ Mobile recently released a beta version of its new Family Guardian app, which takes advantage of Android's flexibility. Using the app, you can hide any installed app, block downloads and get alerts when your kid tries to download something. Give children the ability to check in, complete with GPS data. \nYou can filter websites in the browser and even set up schedules so that certain apps or functions are unavailable during specific times such as during school or after bedtime. You can monitor usage via a web interface. This level of control isn't possible with an iPhone or iPad.\nDevices Designed for Kids (and Parents)\nFamily 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.\nEarlier 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.\nRestrictions 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).\nAmazon 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.\nWhen 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. \nBeyond Parental Control\nAside from parental controls, Android devices have other benefits parents will appreciate. \nIf you'd like to give your child a smartphone but worry about the cost, going with a low-cost, prepaid carrier is a good way to stay within a budget. It also gives you the option to cancel service for a short period or completely without worrying about early termination fees. Most prepaid outfits carry Android phones for less than $250. \nThe open controls on Android also allow for devices that keep teens from texting and driving.\nSeveral non-phone handheld Android devices similar to the iPod touch offer all the benefits of the OS without a phone bill. When connected to Wi-Fi, they can make VoIP calls, and it's possible to set them up with an internet-based texting plan for free or cheap. \nAndroid handhelds often have GPS capabilities, where the current-generation iPod touch does not. It's easier to keep track of kids' whereabouts using Google Latitude (free) or apps like Family Guardian.\nThe Android tablet market has grown a lot in the past year, offering more variety than Apple (at the moment) and costing less. It's possible to get a decent tablet for under $200 if you want a 7-incher and less than $400 if you want something bigger. \nWhether your kids are elementary age, tweens or teens, keeping an eye on them and protecting their digital lives is much easier with Android devices. With the currently available apps and gadgets, the protection you provide can grow with your kids, loosening as they mature and earn your trust. With iOS, you can only hope that they're using the iPhone, iPod or iPad responsibly once they're out of sight.\nImage courtesy of Flickr, aperturismo."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2012/09/17/android-iphone-kid-safety/>