I remember when having your #2 pencil, a blue or black ink pen for class, and the raddest trapper keeper was all you needed for a successful start of school. Nowadays, we are talking tech and digital online presence, iPads, Apple Watch, tiles, tags, you name it… it’s out there!
It’s August which means back-to-school time for many Richmonders. 2022 Could mark the most “normal” return to a classroom since 2019, so being prepared may be a little different than what we’ve been accustomed to the past three years.
Here are 5 helpful tips when it comes to purchasing and protection:
1. Do Your Research and Check Your Options Before Purchasing ANY New Back-to-School Technology
Whether you’re in the market for a new laptop, desktop, or tablet—don’t just jump on the newest version of an item. Instead of just following the latest “West End Trend” and getting the latest and greatest for an untested product you may not even need, do your homework, read reviews, ask tech friends, and research different purchasing options. Enlisting the help of your MSP or a trusted IT partner with a question or two may help guide you into making the right choice for your budget and day-to-day needs.
2. Talking About Security, is a Big Thing, Especially with Impressionable Children or Young Adults
Using strong passwords, activating multi-factor authentication (MFA) to log in to all accounts, and connecting only to secure Wi-Fi networks, can go a long way toward securing everyone’s data and protecting everyone’s digital identities. After two years of remote and hybrid learning, parents and students are probably thrilled for a full-fledged return to the physical classroom. But protection is still a must, no matter where laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, watches, and hotspots are being used. Everyone should understand the basics of cybersecurity—and how critical it is to apply them to everyday situations at work, school, and home.
3. Setting Healthy Limits on Screen Time is a Must
More than likely 4-5 hours of the school day will be involved using a digital device. And when it comes time to go home, we are back on the screen for personal or homework reasons but we all need a break! Take time to step away from your machine for twenty or thirty-minute “rest periods.” Your eyes will thank you!
4. Back Up and Save Your Data Often
Even the newest devices sometimes have problems, which is why it’s smart to have a data backup option in place before school starts. Many school and work-issued devices will automatically back files up to a centrally managed cloud, but it’s always smart to test that backup process—and the steps necessary to retrieve stored data—before you lose information. If you’re not sure about the best option asking a trusted resource may be the route to go!
5. Let’s Talk About Parental Controls
No matter if your back-to-school routine includes an eager teen or an excitable toddler, the most important thing is healthy communication. Before device use starts up for the school year, talk about application permissions and web-surfing protocols. Most school-issued machines will come with pre-installed parental controls and limits on non-educational activity. But make sure you and your student(s) discuss what happens during non-school hours and what kind of personal internet use is allowed. Popular web browsers like Google Chrome and Firefox all offer security options and content filters that can be customized by kids and parents. There should never be a compromise on security.
