There's no simple answer to this question. If your child will use it for educational purposes alone, then giving an iPad may be a great idea. However, if you're getting an iPad simply to keep your child occupied, then better reconsider. Studies suggest that continually giving children electronic devices to alleviate boredom and restlessness can result in many negative effects. For one, children with higher exposure to screens are noted to have poorer expressive language. They also do worse on tests of language processing speed.