All the kids are getting an iPod Touch or an iPhone and you don’t want your child to be left out of the fun and education that these iOS devices offer. Before just handing this type of device over to your child though, there are some important things you should do to make sure your child is protected and that your money won’t get spent without your permission.

The first thing to do before you give your child an iPod Touch or other iOS device is to set up an Apple ID for him or her of their own to be able to keep a separate account from any other iOS users in the household. When your child has his or her own ID, you won’t have to worry about your account getting disrupted or money being spent from the credit card you have on file. You will be able to set up your child’s iPod Touch after you have set up the Apple ID.

When you are setting up your child’s iPod Touch, you will want to make sure he or she has access to a separate address book and calendar. You will also want to make sure that he or she knows how to log into their own iTunes account so they don’t accidentally sync your information into their device.

After you have setup your child’s iPod Touch, setting a passcode is a great idea to help protect the device in case your child loses it so no information will be placed in the wrong hands. Make sure it is easy enough for your child to remember, but not so easy that anyone could figure out.

Another way to protect your child’s iPod Touch in case they lose it is to set up the Find My iPhone option. This will allow you to locate the iPod Touch, lock it remotely and even completely delete all the data on it to assure that no sensitive information is released.

There are quite a few apps that you can download on your child’s iPod Touch for them that will keep them entertained, educated and protected. For example, choosing age appropriate games, books and other fun and informative apps is something your child will appreciate.  Then you can also download apps that will monitor their internet use and some will block your child from accessing adult or other inappropriate websites.

Along with website monitoring and blocking apps, it is also wise to set up content restrictions on your child’s iPod Touch. This will allow you to restrict their chats and other activities so you can feel assure that they are remaining safe with their device. iTunes also has parental controls that you can use that will keep you child from accessing mature content.

If you would like to allow your child to download music or make other purchases, you can set up an iTunes allowance for your child’s iPod Touch that will allow them to make purchase amounts up to the allowance amount you set, and no more. That way you won’t end up with any surprises of accidental large purchases being made.

Unfortunately, there is no way to preset the volume for your child’s iPod Touch and if they tend to turn it up too loud they could damage their hearing. Making sure they understand and follow acceptable volume levels is something for you and your child to talk about before you finally give the iPod Touch to him or her.