Though it's only June, every parent begins to sense at this stage of the year the looming vacation. Those with a keener sense will also pick up on the scents of the transition to a new school year or a new kindergarten. But let's pause for a moment on the first part. Before Israeli parents is a very long summer, and what can we do – part of it, the kids will spend in front of screens. Yes, even the younger kids.
Recently, Samsung's TAB KiDS tablet was launched, sold in Israel through the official import of Sunny Communications. The tablet integrates Bilteen with games, learning programs, and videos, YouTube Kids, a dedicated app store for kids, all with a security code for concerned parents. Additionally, the tablet comes with Google's Family Link, allowing parents to understand what their kids are doing when they're using their device, manage privacy settings and account settings, limit screen time, guide specific content, update on battery life, locate children through GPS, and more. In any case, there are two screens - for parents and for the child, and switching between them requires a security code.
Perfect Screen for KidsIn practice, it's the small tablet from Samsung - Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, which also includes a Bilteen children's system. The tablet weighs only 366 grams, its thickness is 8.0 mm, and it comes with a soft, child-safe cover that also serves as a car hanging arm, in pink and blue colors. Yes, again, the gender separation, even with younger children, is unfortunate.
The tablet's storage stands at 32GB/64GB for all high-resolution videos, pictures, and files, and you can also expand it with a MicroSD card for additional storage space - up to 1TB. It's important to note that the device does not include a SIM.
The screen size, perhaps the most important aspect when it comes to small children's hands, is 8.7 inches - preventing them from getting tired and holding it, and surprisingly, even after a short time. In any case, if it's about watching a movie - the cover includes legs for standing on a table.
The device itself includes various characters like "Kroko," "Cookie" the learning chef, "Lisa" the music lover, "Bobby" the creative, and more. These are contents that can be downloaded if you wish and are suitable for young children aged 2-4 in my estimation, of course, if you've decided to expose them to a tablet at these ages. Our 5-year-old child was mostly drawn to the drawing app.
PriceThe price of the tablet is relatively high compared to other devices, standing at about NIS 800.
Bottom LineIf you've overcome the price issue and have a young child you want to introduce to a tablet for the first time - the content and interface are well-suited for that.
Since the children's screen contains restricted content for young children (including the option to only download specific apps), at older ages, when they start playing Roblox, for example, the child can switch to the parent's screen, and then we're essentially back to the regular tablet.
In my opinion, the tablet is especially recommended for parents who are very anxious about the content their children are exposed to and can't keep track, and for families with several young, following children, so it will be relevant for several years and justify the price.