If your child has asked for a social media account, you’re not alone.

While social media apps are undeniably part of growing up today, allowing your kids access to them brings risks that many families would rather not take too early.

That’s why parents everywhere are trying to decide when the right time comes to hand over that kind of responsibility. But the answer isn’t simple.

The tactics of cybercriminals evolve constantly. One attack vector growing rapidly in both scope and sophistication is known as SIM Swap, and criminals are using it to target your personal information through your mobile devices.

SIM stands for Subscriber Identity Module, and it’s essentially your digital fingerprint. SIM cards are inserted directly into your phone, while eSIM-enabled devices store this information inside the phone digitally.

Getting a tax refund means you’re in a prime spot to make meaningful investments in your family’s future. And with internet access now essential for virtually every work and school scenario they encounter, as well as entertainment and safety, upgrading your connectivity will position your home team for success.

Whether you're looking to upgrade devices, enhance communication or improve digital security, here are some smart ways to use your tax refund to keep your family connected.

The mindless gaze. We’ve all seen it, and many of us have done it ourselves. But when our children are staring at screens for hours, it brings a whole new level of worry for parents: “How much time should my kid spend in front of a screen?” 

Millions of income tax refunds are streaming into bank accounts and mailboxes across the U.S., and chances are you’re one of the recipients. With the average check exceeding $3,000 in 2024, you have a lot of options of how to spend it.

But before you blow it all, consider channeling your tax refund into something with a lasting impact.

The numbers are in, and education has landed the top spot among the many enhancements C Spire made to its wireless network in 2024.

As part of a $25 million investment, C Spire added and upgraded 5G and LTE cells at 18 schools across its Mississippi footprint, representing the Gulf Coast and Pine Belt regions as well as central and northern areas of the state.