The best tech gadgets for kids as they head back to school

School is back in session, but that doesn’t necessarily mean children are all set for the new school year. It can take a few months to figure out exactly what they need to be successful, especially these days. The covid-19 pandemic produced profound changes in the educational system, and many of these have persisted. Some children are still learning virtually as well as in-person. 

Because of that, the average child probably requires a few tech gadgets. From an affordable laptop to noise-canceling headphones, here are a few things older students might need. 

A smartwatch 

Many teenagers beg their parents to buy them the newest Apple Watch, but not only are they expensive, but to work well they need to be linked to an iPhone. While iPhones offer many benefits, parents might not be ready for their child to have so much online access. 

Fortunately, there’s a workaround. It’s possible to buy a kids’ phone watch. With this device, children can enjoy the benefits of having a smartwatch while still staying safe. 

A kids’ phone watch offers GPS tracking, step-counting capability and unlimited talk and voice/preset text. Parents can even create customisable safe zones for their children. With this feature, they’ll be immediately notified whenever the young ones leave a safe zone and can respond accordingly. 

A kid-friendly watch will help keep track of children, and they will like it, too. They can choose watch bands in a variety of colours and themes to customise their look, and they’ll be able to talk with their friends and enjoy the other perks that come with this gadget. 

A durable laptop 

The pandemic has forever changed the way students learn. During the initial lockdown, many schools were closed, and kids had to continue their education 100% online. The flexibility and accessibility of remote learning have made it an attractive option – even now, as the world slowly goes back to normal.

Chances are, kids will have the option to take a few online classes. To ensure they’re set up for success, parents might consider buying their child a laptop they can easily take to and from school. 

While there are hundreds of laptops for sale, a computer that’s kid-appropriate is a must. It’s worth looking for one that is durable and user-friendly, has good battery life, and, preferably, is affordable. The Acer Aspire 5 is one that meets those criteria, and, luckily, there are others that also fit the bill. 

One popular kid-friendly computer is Lenovo’s Chromebook Flex 5. It offers a 360-degree touch screen and a backlit keyboard, so the user can work comfortably day or night. This laptop is lightweight, making it easy to carry to school and back. It also features a built-in webcam that’s perfect for online classes. 

Time management apps

It’s no secret children struggle to pay attention. It can be even more challenging for students studying online, who can access entertainment websites and apps. To help keep a child focused, parents might consider downloading an app to their tech device designed to do just that. 

Brili is an app ideal for younger children. It lets carers create a series of tasks for their kids, and they receive star rewards when those tasks are complete. Another popular time management app is called Forest. With this app, certain distractions can be blocked from a child’s device, such as Instagram and Snapchat. If they avoid those distractions while working, a virtual tree grows. If the user succumbs to digital temptations, the virtual tree won’t grow. 

Perhaps the student in question needs help identifying what distractions are consuming their attention. RescueTime is an app that shows them how much time they spend on their phone, and what apps are eating up their hours. With this information, parents can help their kids craft a plan to devote less time to these distractions.

Noise-cancelling headphones

There’s a good chance kids are going to need headphones to listen to their teachers during virtual classes, or they may like listening to music while doing their homework. Making sure they have a pair of headphones that are easy to transport and offer noise cancellation is a good idea. Luckily, there are several kid-friendly headphones worth considering. 

For instance, Puro Sound Labs BT2200s earphones connect wirelessly to Bluetooth-equipped devices. They offer a long battery life and come with a cable that lets users charge them while listening. With noise-cancelling capabilities, these headphones do a great job at keeping outdoor noise at bay. This can make it easier to focus while studying. 

Another popular kid-friendly option is the JBL JR 460NC headphone set. These headphones are known to be comfortable and lightweight. One of the biggest selling points, though, is their volume limitation feature. This means it won’t be possible to listen to anything at a volume that could potentially damage little ears. 

Game-changing tech

Technology can be incredibly beneficial for students. Not only can it provide a platform for them to learn remotely, but it can increase their productivity and capabilities. Being able to turn in assignments online, study on their own time, and virtually manage their tasks can be a game changer. 

That’s why, in this digital age, it’s important to try and make sure kids have the right gadgets at their fingertips. The devices described above are a great place to start to ensure they are successful this school year.

The editorial unit