> “The kids had completely customized the desktop—so every kids’ tablet looked different. We had installed software to prevent them from doing that,”

For instance, they could have had one of those "lock" apps that requires a code for certain apps like system settings or app installation, and the kids killed the lock app via a task manager.

The systems came pre-installed with software to prevent the kids from using the devices cameras and customizing their home screens. They found their way around these 'protections'.