A back-to-school tech guide for parents

The temperatures outside may say it’s still summertime, but the back-to-school season has arrived.

As parents prepare their kids for the upcoming school year with new clothes, kicks and classroom supplies, it’s also time to begin thinking about how they’ll interact with technology and devices in the course of their studies — and how to integrate technology that can enhance learning, monitor screen time and ensure safety.

This handy guide will help you choose the right apps and help them make the upcoming academic year a success.

Study apps for academic success

Quizlet
Learning is more fun with Quizlet, a versatile app allowing students to create flashcards, take quizzes and play educational games. Students can get help memorizing terms, definitions and concepts across various subjects through interactive games and study modes, making learning fun and engaging.

Khan Academy
This app offers a range of free courses and resources from kindergarten to college level, providing personalized learning with interactive exercises, instructional videos and a personalized dashboard to track progress.

Google Classroom
Google Classroom integrates seamlessly with other Google services to streamline the management of assignments and communication between teachers and students, allowing students to receive and submit assignments, communicate with teachers, and access learning materials from one central location.

Evernote
When it’s time to get productive, the note-taking app Evernote can help students organize their study materials. Capture notes in various formats, including text, images and audio, and sync them across all devices for easy access.

Duolingo
Duolingo is a language-learning app that offers courses in various languages and helps students practice reading, writing, listening and speaking skills through interactive exercises.

Location tracking for peace of mind

Life360
Ensuring your child's safety is a top priority, and Life360 is a reputable family networking app that provides real-time location tracking, driving safety reports, and a panic button for emergencies.

Find My (Apple)
Apple (iOS) devices come with this app already installed. Use Find My to locate family members and lost devices based on real-time location tracking. It can also be used to set location-based alerts.

Google Maps
Google Maps offers location sharing features that can help track family members' whereabouts, including location sharing in real time and notifications for when family members arrive or leave specific locations.

Tips for parents

• Discuss with your children the importance of balancing screen time with other activities and establish clear rules and expectations for device usage.
• Take an active interest in the apps and websites your children use. Engage in discussions about their favorite study apps and monitor their online activity.
• Promote regular breaks during study sessions to prevent digital fatigue, and encourage activities like outdoor play, reading or family time.
• Teach your children about the importance of online safety, including not sharing personal information and how to recognize cyberbullying.
• Schedule regular check-ins to review screen-time reports and discuss any concerns or adjustments needed.
• Check out the C Spire Connect & Protect program, providing features like active monitoring powered by AI for email, text and 30+ social media apps, as well as adult-content filtering over the wireless network.

Need help setting up parental controls? We’ve got you covered.

With the right balance and oversight, technology can be a powerful ally in your child's academic and personal development.

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