Drones are quickly becoming a constant in our lives. Drones were one of most popular gifts during the 2015 holiday season and history will likely repeat itself in 2016.

With all these new affordable drones released into the market, parents may ask: are drones safe for children?

The quick answer is yes. But there are a few things to take into consideration. Here are a few tips to help choose the perfect drone for your kid.

Minimum Age for Flying Drones

Some mini drone manufacturers recommend a minimum age of eight years old. But you know your child better than anyone, so make sure to account for your child’s maturity.

I think the minimum age to fly drones should be 10, but if your kid is familiar with robotics and drones, he/she might be able to start flying at a younger age.

If you think your child is mature enough and skilled enough to control a larger, faster drone, there are plenty of drones ton choose from. These drones tend to have a higher payload, powerful motors and big propellers. Many also come with a camera and a mount.

If your child is older than 12, perhaps an action camera drone is suitable. These types of drones include more features and better specifications. Read the instruction manual with your child, and try the drone yourself first before allowing your kid to test it out.

Size and Speed of Drone

Two of the main causes of accidents are the size and speed of drones. Therefore, the safest drones for kids to fly are smaller toy drones that are made of ABS plastic – a durable, lightweight material. A larger, heavier drone could cause too much damage, while a small toy drone is practically harmless.

Speed also plays a big role in drone safety. When buying a drone for your child, choose one with the lowest yaw rate, which is the speed at which the propellers rotate. Drones that fly slowly are safer. Most drones have three modes of yaw rate, ranging from beginner (slower) to expert (faster).

Flying Environment

Another important factor to consider is the environment in which the drone will be flown. There are drones specifically designed for indoor or outdoor flying, but many drones can do both. A good indoor drone is capable of a very stable hover and responsive commands. A good outdoor drone is wind resistant and has enough motor power to also have a stable hover.

If flying indoors, make sure you have a stable drone and plenty of room for your kid to practice. Remove any breakable objects in the room and let your kid have fun.

Drone Durability

The fourth factor to consider is the drone’s durability. Make sure the drone you buy is resistant to most crashes. Some weak material may snap and bend easily. Again, most toy drones are made of ABS plastic and won’t bend easily – a good thing for your kid.

In case of a crash, drones made from ABS plastic aren’t strong enough to cause any real damage. They’re also lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Drones Aren’t Dangerous

Drones are not dangerous. When piloting one in the right environment and with the safety procedures checked, drones are great for the entire family. The most important thing is to buy a drone that fits your child’s skill set.

Buy a camera drone and record your best moments, take photographs, fly around the house or at the park. Make sure you are always nearby when your child is flying a drone. With the right amount of practice, your child will learn quickly and hopefully become a drone enthusiast.