Smart Displays and Children: Educational Content and Parental Controls

20 February 2025

In today's rapidly evolving digital world, it's no surprise that technology is becoming a more prominent part of our children's lives. From smartphones to tablets to smart speakers, kids are growing up surrounded by gadgets. One of the hottest tech trends right now is the smart display—a device that combines the functionality of a tablet with the convenience of a smart speaker.

But as with any new technology, parents are left wondering: Are smart displays good for kids? Can they be educational, or are they just another screen to worry about? And how do you ensure your child is safe while using one? In this article, we'll dive into how smart displays can offer educational content for children and how parental controls can help keep their tech experience safe and healthy.

What Are Smart Displays?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of smart displays and kids, let's first clarify what a smart display is. A smart display is a device that combines the voice-activated features of a smart speaker (like Amazon Echo or Google Nest) with a touchscreen display. These devices can be used to control smart home gadgets, watch videos, make video calls, play games, and much more.

In essence, they’re like a tablet with superpowers.

You’ve probably seen or heard of popular smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub. These devices are gaining popularity in homes because they're incredibly versatile. You can ask them to play music, show you the weather, control your lights—the list goes on. But when it comes to kids, there’s a whole other side to these devices that can make them both a blessing and a challenge.

The Role of Smart Displays in Education

A Gateway to Educational Content

Let’s be honest: kids love screens. Whether it's watching cartoons, playing games, or interacting with educational apps, screens can be incredibly engaging for kids. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. In fact, smart displays can be a powerful tool for learning, as long as they're used the right way.

Smart displays offer access to a wide range of educational content designed specifically for kids. Platforms like YouTube Kids, Khan Academy, and even Amazon Kids+ provide a ton of kid-friendly content that’s both fun and educational. Whether it’s learning the ABCs, watching science experiments, or mastering math concepts, smart displays can turn screen time into learning time.

For younger children, voice-activated learning games can help improve their vocabulary, counting skills, and even motor functions. Imagine asking the smart display to “play an alphabet game” and your child is instantly engaged in a fun, interactive activity that teaches them something new. It's like having a digital tutor right in your living room.

Video Calls with Family: A Boost in Communication Skills

Smart displays are also a fantastic way for children to stay connected with family members, especially during times when they can’t meet in person. Video calls help kids build communication skills, and with the interactive display, they can see facial expressions, learn social cues, and engage in conversations that develop their social skills.

In fact, some studies suggest that when kids use video calling to stay in touch with relatives, it mimics the benefits of face-to-face interaction. So, while you might be worried about "too much screen time," using a smart display for family interactions can actually be constructive.

Interactive Storytelling

Another cool feature of smart displays is their ability to offer interactive storytelling. Many smart displays come equipped with apps that can read stories aloud to children while showing illustrations on the screen. The interactive element makes the experience more engaging than just listening to an audiobook.

Some smart displays even offer “choose your own adventure” style stories, where kids can make decisions that affect the outcome of the tale. This encourages critical thinking and keeps them engaged in the process. It’s like having a bedtime story with a twist!

Parental Controls: A Must-Have for Safety

Why Parental Controls Matter

While smart displays can be a great educational tool, they can also open the door to some risks if not properly monitored. The internet is vast, and not all content is suitable for young eyes. That's where parental controls come into play.

Parental controls on smart displays allow you to manage what your child has access to and ensure that they're not exposed to inappropriate content. You wouldn’t leave your child unsupervised in a room full of strangers, right? The internet isn't much different. Parental controls act like a digital chaperone, guiding your child towards safe and age-appropriate experiences.

Setting Up Parental Controls

Most smart displays come with built-in parental control settings that allow you to customize your child’s experience. Here’s how you can set it up:

1. Create a Child Profile: Many devices, like Amazon's Echo Show, let you create a separate child profile. This ensures that the content your child sees is tailored to their age group, and you can control which apps or features they can access.

2. Set Time Limits: Let’s face it—kids can easily get sucked into screens for hours on end. Setting screen time limits ensures that they don’t spend too much time glued to the display. You can typically set daily time limits or even schedule "downtime" periods where the device is unavailable for use.

3. Content Filters: Most smart displays allow you to filter out inappropriate content. For example, you can block access to certain websites, restrict video content to age-appropriate levels, or even disable certain features like purchasing.

4. Monitor Usage: Some smart displays let you monitor your child’s usage history so you can see what apps they’re using and how much time they’re spending on the device. This transparency can help you make more informed decisions about their screen time.

Voice Recognition and Privacy

One of the coolest features of smart displays is voice recognition. These devices can often recognize different voices, meaning they can tailor responses depending on who’s speaking. If your child asks the smart display a question, it will know it’s a child and provide an appropriate answer.

However, with this feature comes the concern of privacy. Some parents worry about these devices "listening" all the time. While smart displays do have microphones that listen for voice commands, most have privacy settings that allow you to mute the mic or delete voice recordings. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these settings to ensure your child's safety.

Balancing Screen Time and Real-World Activities

While smart displays can be a great educational tool, moderation is key. Kids still need physical activity, face-to-face interactions, and time to explore the world around them. Over-reliance on screens can lead to issues like reduced attention spans or even sleep disturbances.

The key is to strike a balance. Use smart displays as a supplement, not a substitute, for real-world experiences. Encourage activities that combine both. For example, if your child loves cooking, use the smart display to pull up a kid-friendly recipe and let them follow along in the kitchen. Or, if they’re learning a new language, use the display’s interactive apps to practice, but also make time for real-life conversations.

Age-Appropriate Use of Smart Displays

It’s also important to consider the age of your child when introducing a smart display. For younger children, interactive games and educational videos are fantastic, but you’ll want to ensure content stays simple and age-appropriate.

For older children, you can gradually introduce more sophisticated content like documentaries, podcasts, or even educational YouTube channels. Just remember to always keep an eye on what they’re consuming and ensure that it aligns with your family’s values and safety guidelines.

Final Thoughts

Smart displays can be a fantastic addition to a child’s learning environment, offering educational content that makes learning fun and interactive. Features like video calls and storytelling can help enhance communication and creativity. However, just like with any form of technology, parental involvement is crucial.

With the right parental controls in place, smart displays can offer kids a safe and enriching digital experience. They can turn these devices from simple entertainment gadgets into powerful educational tools. But remember—balance is key. Smart displays are great, but they shouldn't replace real-world experiences or human interaction.

So, are smart displays the future of children's learning? Possibly! But as always with tech, it’s all about how you use it.