One giant leap for children

SMALL PRINT:A RECENT Nielsen survey in the US found that the first choice of Christmas present for 6- to 12-year-olds this year is the iPad. The big attraction for pre-teens is the number of apps now available, particularly the colourful animated games, and the speed, look and ease of use of the device. The iPad is typically marketed to an adult audience but with its "fun" factor and educational content, its appeal stretches far beyond its target market.

For parents, though, the issue is whether to entrust an iPad to a clumsy youngster, given the price (a minimum spend of €500) and the “adult” content that can be accessed, despite parental controls.

If you’ve ever seen a young child play with an iPhone or iPad you’ll know just how quickly they manage to master the devices. A cursory look at YouTube shows dozens of videos of children as young as one playing with iPads.

When the first iPad appeared almost two years ago, a report by PC World predicted “the iPad will spark a revolution in children’s culture” and said kids would learn to read, write and count on iPads. “They’ll watch TV, movies and cartoons on iPads. They’ll do social networking, play games and even colour in virtual colouring books.”

Surveys show, however, there’s a clear gender divide among parents over whether iPads and smartphones are suitable for under-12s with mothers typically exercising more caution than fathers .

One solution could be the new “iPad with L plates”, which sold out within days of arriving at Smyths toy shops here. A snazzy-looking device, the LeapPad (pictured) is designed for children between four and nine and comes with a camera, video recorder, 2GB of memory, microphone, motion-based game play facility and its own specialised app store. And without internet access, there’s no fear of any unsuitable adult content popping up on the screen.

The LeapPad retails at €89.99 and Smyths says it will be restocking in time for Christmas.