Apple Allows Educators To Create iTunes Accounts For Pre-Teens Ahead Of Back To School Season

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For the first time, Apple is allowing children under the age of 13 to have an iTunes account with the approval of an educational institution. Back to school season is nearly here, and Apple is preparing for the increased number of iPads that will be distributed by educators to young students.

Apple’s updated terms and conditions don’t mean that any pre-teen can create an iTunes account at will. Only approved institutions can add IDs after having obtained “verifiable parental consent.”

From Apple’s updated ToS (first noted by Macworld):

“This iTunes Service is only available for individuals age 13 years or older, unless you are under 13 years old and your Apple ID was provided to you as a result of a request by an approved educational institution”

When iOS 7 ships in the fall, the software will offer Mobile Device Management that provides teachers the ability to “remotely lock or unlock iOS devices into a specific app, such as an assessment app, ensuring that all students are on the same activity at the same time.” Under the new App Store Volume Purchase Program, educational institutions will also be able assign apps and e-books in bulk to students while maintaining all licensing control.

Apple recently closed a $30 million deal with the L.A. Unified School District that will provide iPads for all of its students from 47 schools.

Source: Macworld

Image: Getty Images

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