| Safety & Setup
Settings app icon
|
iPods, iPhones and iPads can be brilliant tools for learning but before putting one into the hands of your child we recommend you take some simple safety precautions.
With so many iPods in the school, the easiest way of tracking them is through the serial number. You can find this by tapping Settings > General > About.
Record this number and keep it in a safe place.
However, even if you misplace it you can still retrieve the serial number by following the Find the Serial Number instructions on this page.
Many parents are also opting to take the iPod to a local engraver to have their child's name permanently etched onto the back of the device.
This handy app is a built-in app, one that is preloaded on your device. It works for the iPhone, the iPod Touch, the iPad, Mac or PC. Visit this website for instructions on how to set up this app so that your device can be tracked in the event of loss.
You can protect your iPod by using a Passcode Lock. This is a four-digit code that must entered before the iPod will unlock.
Tap Settings > General > Passcode Lock, then enter and confirm a four-digit code.
Once this is done, select Require Passcode Immediately as shorter times are more secure.
We recommend using Restrictions to help protect your child from questionable content. For example, parents can restrict explicit music from being seen on playlists, or turn off YouTube access entirely. Tap Settings > General > Restrictions, tap Enable Restrictions, then enter and confirm a four-digit code.
Your child should keep this code secret.
Once this is done you have the option to switch on or off these features: Safari, YouTube, iTunes, Installing Apps and Location.
Installing Apps is something we believe should be done at home, with parent and child talking and working together.
A typical before and after Restrictions screen for a student at Berkley (aged 10 to 14 years) is shown:
Before: Default Settings
After: Suitable for Use in School
The ratings for Apps (Applications) are as follows, taken directly from iTunes:
4+
|
Applications in this category contain no objectionable material.
|
| 9+ |
Applications in this category may contain
mild or infrequent occurrences of cartoon, fantasy or realistic
violence, and infrequent or mild mature, suggestive, or horror-themed
content which may not be suitable for children under the age of 9.
|
12+
|
Applications in this category may also contain infrequent mild language,
frequent or intense cartoon, fantasy or realistic violence, and mild or
infrequent mature or suggestive themes, and simulated gambling which
may not be suitable for children under the age of 12.
|
17+
|
You must be at least 17 years old to
purchase this application. Applications in this category may also
contain frequent and intense offensive language; frequent and intense
cartoon, fantasy or realistic violence; and frequent and intense mature,
horror, and suggestive themes; plus sexual content, nudity, alcohol,
tobacco, and drugs which may not be suitable for children under the age
of 17.
|
While technological parental controls have their place, communication between parent and child remains the most effective tool available.
The iTunes Store has a 13+ age restriction for account holders.
We strongly recommend parents keep their iTunes account password confidential.
Some accounts have been set up using a credit card. Telling your child the iTunes account password is the same as giving him or her your credit card and pin number.
You should also make sure you sign out of your account.
You can do this quickly and easily by tapping Settings > Store.
Return to Top
|