iPad Setup


Below are some instructions and tips for setting up your child's iPad: from buying an iPad and additional accessories, to starting it up for the first time, to creating an Apple ID for a child under 13 years of age.

Buying your iPad

The following information is worth keeping in mind to assist in making the right decisions when purchasing the best iPad to suit your child's needs.

As CEDoW's preferred local Apple provider, EduCom IT has developed a program offering to cater to a wide range of needs within the school community.

EduCom IT's Purchasing Portal (Password: BYOD2018) provides the most up to date prices. Parents may wish to shop around to access other deals, keeping in mind that EduCom IT's portal is a worthwhile guide and potential bargaining tool.

More information on EduCom IT's products and prices here.

WHAT IS NEEDED

ipads range

Many families already have iPads for their children. For those that need to purchase an iPad, it is up to each family as to where they purchase it from, but below are recommendations for purchasing new devices.

Ideal Specifications For Device

The latest iPad is always the best in regards to technology advancements and longevity.
32GB / Wi-Fi / iPad

Minimum Specifications For Device

32GB / Wi-Fi / iPad Air or above
NAPLAN Online 2020 requires the iPad to be an iPad Air or above.

 

Out of the Box Setup

Apple products are simple to set up. All you have to do is follow the prompts on the screen when you turn it on for the first time.

If you have any problems, visit Apple Support and their specific setup page for help.

creating your child's Apple ID

Your Apple ID is the username and account that you use to access Apple services like the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and more. You can sign in to all Apple services with a single Apple ID and password.

All students using an iPad at school need to have their own Apple ID on their iPad so that they can utilise their own iCloud storage space (not sharing it with other family members) and take ownership of all their apps, particularly those supplied by the school. Additionally, students should not be receiving messages or content intended for other family members.

AppleID for iPad space shortCreating an Apple ID for a child under 13 years old

Apple's terms and conditions state that users must be 13 years of age or older to have a personal Apple ID. This means that prior to 13 years of age, the Apple ID associated with a child's iPad must be authorised by parents or guardians. Consequently, we ask parents of children under the age of 13 to create and manage their child's Apple ID. Parents can decide whether to continue to manage their child's Apple ID once he/she turns 13 years of age.

CEDoW prefers that parents create an individual Apple ID (iCloud Account) for their child’s exclusive use. There are two options for this: a Parent Managed Apple ID with Family Sharing or creating a credit card free Student Apple ID

Family Sharing allows a parent to organise their family Apple ID accounts and control purchases. A parent who owns their own iPhone or iPad and has a credit card attached to their Apple ID may use this option. Whereas creating a Student Apple ID for your child may suit someone who is not running their own device. 

For advice on both options for setting up an Apple ID for your child, view our Guidelines for Creating an Apple ID booklet.

 

iPad Accessories

iPads are great just as they are, but with some additional extras they become safe, secure and allow for different ways of using the iPad.

Accessories you may consider purchasing for your child include:
- case (compulsory)
- headphones OR earbuds (compulsory)ipads ipadsetup
- external keyboard (optional)
- Apple Pencil/stylus (optional)

CASES

To ensure the longevity of your child's iPad, it is recommended that you also purchase a suitable case. Different cases will meet different purposes and ultimately, this is a parent decision, but it is highly important that the case protects the corners of the device.

We recommend that the case you choose for your child's iPad:

  • wakes the iPad when opened, and puts it to sleep when closed (eg: Apple Smart Cover);
  • folds to stand offering multiple user angles;
  • offers scratch protection for the iPad screen;
  • has a moulded cradle to protect the body of the iPad; and
  • isn't too bulky, nor obscures the functionality of the iPad.

Some websites to visit include:
- OtterBox
- Griffin Survivor Case
- Apple Cases and Covers - including cases that hold external keyboards
eBay is also a great place to find cheaper options
 

headphones or earbuds

GOOD SAM MAY2016 ipad headphones1

We advise the purchase of over-ear headphones, instead of in-ear buds.

Most of the noise-restricted over-ear headphones limit the maximum intensity level to 89 dB, which is a safe level and can be used for an extended period. At this level kids can easily hear what is happening around them and also normal conversational levels with the headphones on their ears.

The national standard for noise exposure is 85 dB over an 8-hour period, but for every 3 dB increase in level, the resulting time of allowable exposure should be halved. For example, at 88 dB the allowable exposure is cut to 4 hours; at 91 dB it is 2 hours; at 94 dB it is 1 hour and so on. Any noise intensity over 90 dB has specific time limits for exposure before irreversible damage is done to the cochlear. (As a general guide, if you are using standard headphones and you cannot hear someone speaking at a normal conversational level about 1 metre away, then the intensity level is usually above 90dB.)

Yet most in-ear headphones easily allow levels up to and exceeding 100dB! For this reason, we recommend over-ear headphones.

 

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