As the festive season draws near, many parents are enticed by the idea of gifting their children tech devices such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. To simplify the daunting task of configuration, Apple's Quick Start feature is being touted as a hassle-free way to get devices kid-ready. According to a Times of India report, this setup process allows parents to tailor the new Apple devices to their children's specific needs.

However, amidst the holiday cheer and technological marvels, Sarah Grado, Chief Programs Officer at notMYkid, urges caution. In an interview obtained by ABC15, Grado recommends waiting "as long as possible before buying your kid a device", indicating that early exposure to tech can negatively impact young minds and potentially foster addictive behaviors.

Among her advice, Grado highly encourages setting up parental controls to help steer their online journeys. "We do encourage parents to look into parental controls, whether it's just on the device, through the carrier, through companies like Bark, you know, to make sure that we're monitoring and that we're limiting their screen time," Sarah Grado told ABC15. Moreover, she vouches for enabling location services, offering up applications like Life360 as tools to give parents a semblance of tranquility and oversight over their child's whereabouts.

With the right precautions and dialogue, Grado believes that parents can shield their children against the darker corners of the internet, while still allowing them to enjoy the benefits of the digital age. Echoing this sentiment, notMYkid provides a suite of unique proactive parenting tools, from prevention education courses to support programs for substance abuse and mental health challenges, aiming to equip parents and children alike with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the complexities of technology.