Best way to set up two new iTouches for kids

This tells you ways to do it. What is "better" is very subjective.

iPhone and iPod touch: Unable to update or restore

Regarting FaceTime and Messages, each device much have a unique email calling/messaging address. You can fist set them up using the same Apple ID address and go to Settings>Messages (or FaceTime) and add another email address to one device and delete the Apple ID address.

I have the same dliemma. Daughter 8, son 6 - 2 new itouches for xmas - one library , my iPad, wife's iPhone ??

I was intending on just keeping one library (this does contain music with explicit lyric content etc) and manage their music via separate playlists.

As far as accounts and restrictions go, I was going to set them up with their own itunes account (using mail addresses only I can use). Load the account up with a voucher each.

The restrictions I was going to apply at the iPod (rather than the account) using a PIN I know - this way you can limit Safarii browsing (i.e. turn it off), youtube, and the age limit to the apps they can install and run - and the movie ratings allowed etc.

Happy to hear other ideas though - I'm intending on setting this up BEFORE they get them.

......the intention being that they can easily share music and apps they have bought

Parent use AppleID for purchased

Children iPod Touches iTunes & App Store apps uses parent AppleID

iPod Touch's Setting > Store > Automatic Downloads OFF (do manually sync so you can control what's downloaded)

Children needs valid e-mail addresses to get their own AppleID for iMessage, FaceTime, Game Center etc.

Pro: Your free iCloud storage is 5GB and if the children has their own AppleID, they'll also get 5GB each.

It's better not to use iMac user account because at the moment iCloud only support I Mac account not 1 mac but many user accounts.

Hi Mosley

Such a shame no one from Apple can be bothered to reply or explain a solutiuon to this. Look at the date of this post, another Christmas and another million, million iPod sales to families (including my two) and we're still non the wiser.

This discussion comes up high on Google for posible solutions. come on Cupertino get it sorted. help us use your equipment. Hope this might revive this issue.

Boxing Day 2012.

UK.

Well it's now 2016 and still nothing resolved for us parents to help our kids Who have their product. how sad.

Yes Apple has. The allow you to setup Family Sharing and to create ID for them

Set up Family Sharing - Apple Support

Family purchases and payments - Apple Support

https://www.apple.com/icloud/family-sharing/

Family Sharing and Apple ID for your child - Apple Support