Managing a School Device
Having a school device at home presents an opportunity for parents to proactively coach their child to use a digital device as a tool to support learning while minimizing distractions and conflict.
Start by asking your child to give you a tour of their school device. If you lean in and get curious, you can set parameters in a tech positive way. Take this as an opportunity for them to show off their tech skills and knowledge - let them teach you about their school device!
Questions to ask on the device “tour”
What apps are accessible?
School-related apps likely come preloaded on the device along with a catalog of optional apps that a student may later download. Ideally the device is a “walled garden” with carefully selected apps and features. Keep an eye out for additional apps that may require proactive conversations - for example, if your child can access YouTube, YouTube Kids, social media apps, an unrestricted App Store, or video games, talk to your school about blocking them. Any concerns about what's accessible should be directed to the school's administration, tech department, or classroom teacher. You can always ask your child’s school what is blocked and filtered and let them know if you see a breach - schools and parents need to work together to identify problems and keep school device use in check.
How are you using it for classes?
Dive into a few apps/platforms and have your child walk you through how they work for a particular class. What are they excited about? Do they have any questions?
Do you have a school email?
Have your child show you their email account and explain how they can communicate with their teachers.
How do you get your homework assignments and grades?
Is it Canvas, Google Classroom or some other platform? Have them show you so you know they understand how this works. If they don't, encourage them to ask their teachers the next day at school and report back to you!
What’s the device password?
It’s helpful to take note of your child’s password so you always have it handy. Remind your child not to change the password - you should have access to the device.
Topics to discuss….
Review and turn off notifications. Teach your child to adjust notifications so they only receive necessary rather than disruptive ones. Go to: Settings > Notifications. Check in after a few weeks to see if adjustments are needed.
Clarify WHEN your child can use the school device. Even though this is a school device, your family rules for device use at home should be applied. Limit your child’s use of the school device to align with your family values and as you find suitable for homework needs. If your child is younger, you can have them ask for permission before using the device.
Clarify WHERE your child can use the device. Best practice is to use any device in a common area rather than in their bedroom, but this isn't always feasible. If used in a bedroom, consider a door-open policy. Either way, we recommend keeping school work at a table or desk where good posture is easier to maintain - avoid school device use in bed or on the couch!
Set an overnight charging routine. Charge the device each night in a location outside your child's bedroom so it doesn't disrupt their sleep. Having digital devices put away overnight is arguably the most important step you can take to protect your child’s wellbeing. Setting up a charging station and a separate alarm clock are helpful steps. Consider turning the school device off at least an hour before bedtime or setting a “tech bedtime.” Many families have a house rule that all digital devices are off by 8pm or 9pm.
Review your school’s Tech Policy with your child, especially any agreements about student conduct. This is a good opportunity to underscore your expectations that they only use the school device for educational purposes — not in counterproductive ways like gaming, video streaming, or off-task Internet surfing. Reinforce that your child should be respectful, considerate, and a good digital citizen.
Set the expectation for occasional check-ins. Explain you’ll be reviewing their device use with them and that you’re on their team, helping them avoid distractions and stay safe online.
As issues come up, try asking questions from an inquisitive (not emotional) perspective, channeling your “coaching” role. Try to frame these conversations as “your family as a team vs. sticky tech design” instead of pitting parent vs. child. Remember that healthy tech use is a SKILL that needs to be taught and practiced - you are your child's coach and mentor at home. Optimizing device use is an ongoing learning process for all of us. Expect some learning pains and course-corrections as you guide your child towards healthy tech use.
If your child spends too much time “doing homework” on their school device, it could be a sign they are getting off task. Common pitfalls include kids playing unblocked internet games, shopping online, and finding backdoor access to YouTube. It may be a good time to check in with them or their teacher(s). For more help managing homework time, read this blog.
Tools to use if you have a school iPad
Review and adjust notification settings. Teach your child to tailor their notifications so they only receive those they really need and actually will read. This is an important skill in the digital age!
Turn on Apple "Screen Time." The iPad has a “Screen Time” tool (found under “Settings”) which should be turned on to track use and to establish any time limits if overuse is a suspected issue. Occasionally review your child's Screen Time data with them, praising good habits and troubleshooting any issues. Normalize having conversations about healthy tech use.