School is where you send your kids to learn essential concepts they’ll use for the rest of their lives. Still, for many, it can be scary to be away from your child for most of the day. Luckily, numerous tech products let you check in on your child throughout the day, keep them healthy and ensure they’re safe. We talked to our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about the best tech to keep your child safe at school.
Location trackers let you know your child is still at school. You can use these devices when their school day ends to ensure they come straight home. Additionally, location trackers help your kid find lost items. For example, if they misplace their backpack at school, they can use a tracking device to find it easily.
Per Vazquez, “When considering a location tracker, you should check with your kid’s school to see if they have a specific policy regarding their use. Additionally, it’s important to check with your child to ensure it is OK with them.”
It’s essential that your child stays hydrated throughout the day. Proper hydration is vital for your kid’s overall health, but it also helps them stay focused and improves their cognitive performance. According to the National Institutes of Health, most children get less than 20% of their daily water intake at school. This statistic is alarming, considering most children spend around half their day at school.
Smart water bottles are an excellent way to ensure your kid gets the water they need at school. Many smart bottles sync to your child’s phone, allowing you to track the amount of water they consume each day.
Since most kids use laptops to do homework, it’s important to consider their safety on your home network. Unsecure networks can allow malicious users to see what your child is doing online. In some cases, these individuals may be able to glean personal information about your kid.
Securing your home network is vital. Many routers offer subscription services that keep your home network safe. They provide weekly reports via email or notifications that tell you what they’ve blocked. Some router subscriptions include ad blockers that can shield your child from unwanted advertising at a young age. The best routers often include parental controls that let you set restrictions on your kid’s devices.
Securing your child’s device is important as well. Ensure your child’s laptop has antivirus software to prevent ransomware and malware.
According to Vazquez, “The most important thing is to talk to your kid about online safety. Ensure they know that the internet isn’t an inherently safe or private place. The most successful ransomware, malware and phishing attacks typically require someone to click the wrong link or mistake a bad actor for someone they know. That is far more likely than your network security failing. Create a culture where it is safe for your kid to ask about anything. If they aren’t sure about something online, they should feel comfortable double-checking it with you.”
HidrateSpark Pro Smart Water Bottle
This bottle syncs to your child’s phone via Bluetooth, letting you keep track of their daily water intake. It features a “find my bottle” feature, making it easy to find when it gets misplaced. It knows how much you should drink based on your weight and automatically adjusts goals based on the weather and your activity level.
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Fidget toys are a great way to help kids stay focused and not distract others. This cube has six fidget features that help your child reduce stress and anxiety. It’s available in six color combinations.
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This device can help you keep track of your child’s location. The Apple “Find My” network makes this one of the most reliable trackers. Setup is a breeze.
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This pack includes four tile trackers so you can place them in a few of your child’s belongings. They are compatible with Android and iOS devices. You can use these trackers to find your lost phone.
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This router can cover up to 2,000 square feet. The optional subscription service includes online threat protection, content filters and an ad blocker.
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TP-Link Deco Mesh Wi-Fi System
This system is ideal for homes of all shapes and sizes. It features a top-notch parental-control system that lets you block certain websites and limit internet time for specific devices.
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
