Below is a checklist of tasks to consider before handling over an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to a child.
Setting up your iPad/iPhone
First, get the iPad up to the latest iOS version
  • Check in Settings -> General -> About to see what Version the device is currently running.
  • Go to Settings -> General -> Software Update and download and install the latest version.
  • Make sure you are on Wi-Fi, and that the device is on a charger while you do this.

Does your child have their own Apple ID:
  • ​Each child MUST have their own Apple ID for iCloud - DO NOT set them up with your 'family' Apple ID, or any other 'shared' Apple iD.  This will create a major mess.
  • If child does not already have an Apple ID and is under 13: Set up an Apple ID for the Child on a parent's iPad or iPhone. Go to  Settings -> [name] -> Family Sharing - and create a child's Apple ID.  It is free to create an @icloud.com email address.
  • If your child does not already have an Apple ID and is 13 or over: The child can create their own Apple ID from Settings.  
  • If your child already has an Apple ID of their own, there is no need to set up a new one.  They can continue using the existing Apple ID.  This Apple ID can be added to your iCloud Family, so that you can share content and use other features of Family Sharing.

Set up Family Sharing and link the child Apple ID's
  • Link each child's Apple ID to a parent's iCloud through Settings -> your name -> Family Sharing on your own (parent's) device. 
  • Put the parent in charge of authorising purchases 
  • Turn on tracking of their devices, just in case they get lost.
  • Make sure Mum (or Dad) has Find my iPhone set up and each child is sharing their location with her - so that the child's device/s can be located if 'mislaid', lost or stolen.

Set up iCloud on each device
  • Sign in to iCloud on each of the kids' iPads using the child's Apple ID (if they are not already signed in).
  • Turn on iCloud Drive so that the kids' school work would saved to iCloud, and would be available at icloud.com if they leave their iPad at school!  (Note.  Each device they use will need to have the same settings turned on.)
  • Don't turn on iCloud Photo Library and iCloud Keychain unless you really understand these features (won't go into why here, but I generally recommend leaving these off for the kids.)

Sign in to iTunes and App Store on the child's device
  • For iTunes and App Store, sign in using the child's Apple ID.
  • Make sure that iTunes password and parental authorisation is required for every iTunes/App download and that In App Purchases is disabled.

Set up security and privacy
  • Set up a strong Passcode on each device (preferably 6-digit) and, in the case of newer models, also set up fingerprints.  Consider setting up parent fingerprint as well.
  • Make sure the parent knows each of the passcodes, in case of need to access the devices.
  • In Privacy settings, make sure that Location Services is turned on for Find My iPhone and essential apps and features only - turn it off for Camera, so that the kids' photos don't include their location.
  • Check all other Privacy settings to ensure child's privacy is protected

Set up the Parental Controls
  • Go to Restrictions area in Settings->General and set up Parental Controls for the device.  
  • A couple of essential restrictions for younger kids are to Limit Adult Content for Safari and ensure only age-appropriate media and apps are allowed.  ('Limit Adult Content' also ensures they can't clear their web browsing history, so you can do spot checks if needed.)
  • Restrict 'explicit' language 
  • Lock down all Privacy and Account settings once they have been established, to prevent changes (deliberate or inadvertent) by the kids. (This stops them turning on iMessage or FaceTime if you don't want them using these features, prevents adding email accounts, allowing apps to use their location, etc.)
  • Make sure that the 'Restrictions passcode' set by the parent is a code that the kids will never guess (and that Mum/Dad won't forget!)

Do you want them messaging and video chatting?
  • Decide on whether you want child to have access to iMessage and Facetime on these school-use devices.
  • Turn off iMessage and Facetime from Settings (if this is your choice).

Safely store all those passwords
  • Make sure all of the ids and passwords for the kids devices are known by the parent/s and stored in a 'password safe' app on parent's iPhone
  • I recommend using the iOS app 1Password for this - free from the App Store (if you use the option to Create a standalone vault).
  • Get the kids to install this app as well, for storing all the passwords they generate over time.

Stop them destroying their hearing!
  • Limit volume on i-Devices when the child uses earphones
  • This is done by setting the maximum volume in Settings -> Music
  • Then go to Restrictions and 'prevent changes' to music volume.

Ensure each device backs up to iCloud
  • It is essential to ensure that the child's device is backed up
  • The easiest way to ensure this occurs on a regular basis is to back up to iCloud
  • Turn on iCloud Backup in Settings ->[name]->iCloud->Backup and make sure they will enough storage in their iCloud for all their school work.
  • This may mean purchasing additional storage - cost is $1.49 per month for 50GB of storage.

​Who can be their friend in Game Centre?
  • If you allow games on their school iPads, decide if you want them playing games with friends via Game Centre.
  • In Restrictions, decide whether to restrict their ability to play 'multiplayer games' and add friends

Need more information about how to keep kids safe on the iPad and iPhone?

We have a great guide that can help, available in PDF or hardcopy format. The Keeping Kids safe on iPads, iPhones & iPod Touches is a 'must read' for parents of children who use iPads, iPhones and iPod Touches.  Find out
  • how to ensure your child is protected from inappropriate content, features and apps
  • some tips about passwords and Apple accounts
  • what apps to be aware of
  • a way of locking children in to a single app 
  • and more.

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A Guide to Keeping kids safe on an iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch (PDF Download)

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A Guide to Keeping kids safe on an iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch (Paperback)

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Do you need help with any of the above?

We know that the above list only covers the 'what', and not the 'how'.

iTandCoffee can help you with the 'how' - just call 1300 885 420 to book an appointment​ or book online using the button below.  
iTandCoffee also regularly run classes and workshops to assist parents - see below for any that are currently scheduled.