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We'll be the first to admit: We're obsessed with AirPods (and even more so with AirPods Pro). But just because we think the iconic white earbuds are great for you—assuming you're the average adult—doesn't mean that we think they're great for your kids.
In fact, they could actually be dangerous when placed in the wrong hands. A.k.a. little hands. Just take it from the parents of the 7-year-old boy who was recently rushed to the emergency room because he swallowed a rogue AirPod. Yikes. Below, we dive into all the reasons (and there are plenty!) why you shouldn't give those fancy Apple earbuds to your kids and what you can buy for them instead.
Why AirPods are a bad idea for children
As evidenced by the above news story, AirPods—or any small wireless earbuds—are a serious choking hazard for young kids. And even when used correctly and placed in your child's ears, they can still do damage. "Even with older kids, we don't recommend using standard earbuds with kids," TJ Donegan, our executive editor, explains. "They're just way too loud, often hitting well over 100dB(a)—far above 85dB(a), the maximum level that experts recommend for kids and young adults."
It isn't just about your child's health, either (although that's priority number one!). Giving your kids the tiny white earbuds could also be costly to your wallet. "Even if your kid isn't likely to swallow them, it's incredibly easy for a single earbud to go missing—something that can cost you nearly $100 to replace," TJ cautions.
How to keep AirPods safe around your kids
Out of sight, out of mind is the best advice that TJ has for parents. "As with any small electronic device, you have to be careful about leaving them around where pets and children could find them," he warns. That means keeping your precious AirPods on high counters or shelves where little hands can't reach them. If you do choose to let your child wear your AirPods, make sure you keep the volume to 60% maximum, TJ says.
The best kids headphones to buy
TJ recommends always opting for kid-specific headphones when you're shopping for your little one. "Standard earbuds are okay if you can keep the volume limited to around 60% of the maximum, but a better choice is a pick from our roundup of the best kids headphones, which includes both wireless, noise-cancelling, and gaming headphones that are all safe for kids," he says.
Our current top pick? The Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet Kids Headphones. Not only are they volume-limiting so you can protect your child's ears, but they're also noise-cancelling (a rare find with kids headphones!) so your child isn't tempted to crank up the volume anyways. And yes, they're even wireless—and come in flashy colors—so your child will feel just as cool rocking them.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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FAQs
AirPods: For adults only. As evidenced by the above news story, AirPods—or any small wireless earbuds—are a serious choking hazard for young kids. And even when used correctly and placed in your child's ears, they can still do damage.
Can sharing AirPods be bad? ›
While it's totally safe most of the time, Dr Sam does warn that there could be times it would be best to avoid sharing. "If you know you have an ear infection, maybe your ear is painful or you have discharge, then you'll have an overload of these bugs," he says.
Why do schools not allow AirPods? ›
On the other hand, AirPods can be distracting to students who need to focus on school assignments, and listen to the teachers for instructions in a class.” It also states, “…the only time music should be allowed in class is at teachers discretion.”
What percent of kids have AirPods? ›
According to the report, 87 percent of surveyed teens in the United States now own an iPhone, and 87 percent expect their next smartphone to be an iPhone. In addition, 72 percent of teens already own AirPods. Apple Watch ownership continues to climb among teens, reaching 37 percent, up from 34 percent last fall.
Can an 11 year old wear AirPods? ›
If your child is 10 or older it should be fine. I personally still wouldn't do it because it's likely for them to lose it but if your child is not like that just buy it.
What age is OK for AirPods? ›
Ultimately, Apple says there's no age recommendation for AirPods, and it's up to parents to draw the line.
What are the cons of having AirPods? ›
Fit: Might not fit well for everyone; some find them uncomfortable. Sound Quality: While good for everyday use, audiophiles might want better sound quality. Durability: Being small and wireless, they can be easier to misplace or lose.
What happens if you wear AirPods too much? ›
Wearing AirPods solely for noise cancellation shouldn't cause harm to your ears as long as they fit comfortably and don't exert excessive pressure. However, it's essential to take breaks to allow your ears to breathe and prevent moisture buildup, which could lead to discomfort or infection.
How do I clean my AirPods after sharing? ›
Clean your EarPods
Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Make sure not to get any liquid in the openings. Clean the microphone and speaker meshes gently with a dry cotton swab. Remove any debris from the meshes with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush.
Can a teacher take my AirPods? ›
A: In California, teachers have a duty to maintain a safe and orderly classroom environment, but they must also respect students' personal boundaries. If a teacher pulls an item from a student in a manner that's considered forceful or aggressive, it might be viewed as battery, a tortious act.
Earbuds are easily hidden and can distract students from doing classwork and listening to teachers during school. Because of this growing problem, there is a rule against wearing earbuds during school hours in the SR&R, yet students still use them, despite knowing the rule.
Why are schools banning hoodies? ›
Reasons why hoods are banned in schools
This helps to prevent potential security threats and ensures that students are not endangered while they are on school property. Another safety concern is that hoods can obstruct a student's vision, making it difficult for them to see their surroundings.
Should a 6 year old have AirPods? ›
AirPods, the charging case, and small parts included with AirPods Pro may present a choking hazard or cause other injury to small children. Keep them away from small children. WARNING: INGESTION HAZARD: This product contains a button cell or coin battery.
Can you wear 1 AirPod? ›
If you're using only one AirPod, that AirPod will be the microphone. You can also set Microphone to Always Left or Always Right. You can also set Microphone to Always Left or Always Right to always have either the right or the left AirPod use the microphone even if you remove it from your ear or put it in the case.
Can a child swallow an AirPod? ›
If it stays encased in plastic and isn't exposed, then it shouldn't cause any problems as it goes through the body, he said. “Typically, if something makes its way into the stomach, it will pass.
Are earbuds safe for 12 year olds? ›
Children and teens often use earbuds and headphones to listen to music, watch videos or talk to their friends. But these personal listening devices put them at greater risk for hearing damage if turned up too loudly. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the issue.
Do AirPods help kids in school? ›
Students who are sensitive to a loud classroom buzz can benefit from using AirPods in class to cancel out distractions and to help with sensory overloads.
How long does 12 AirPods last? ›
What you can expect with AirPods (2nd generation) With multiple charges in your case, you get more than 24 hours of listening time,19 or up to 18 hours of talk time. Your AirPods can get up to 5 hours of listening time21 or 3 hours of talk time on a single charge.
Can a 15 year old buy AirPods? ›
Don't believe there's any age limitation to buy AirPods or anything else in an Apple Store for that matter. You can walk into a store and buy anything you want.
