This month, thousands of students across Maine will bid farewell to the lazy days of summer as they return to school. The new school year brings excitement and challenges, including the perennial question, “Should I get my child their first phone?” Additionally, parents need to consider what applications and devices their child might need for success, familiarize themselves with local school device policies, and ways to stay in touch with teachers and administrators. Fortunately, wireless devices can help manage these concerns and more.
Each generation reports getting their first phone at a younger age. According to a recent UScellular survey1 parents and non-parents alike consider 13-14 to be an appropriate age for a first cellphone. If you’re contemplating getting your child their first phone, there is help available.
UScellular, in partnership with Screen Sanity, has created the Smarter Start Tool Kit. This free resource offers tools and tips for both parents and kids to use phones and technology thoughtfully. It includes discussion guides for parents introducing a first phone, a customizable phone plan, and a pledge between parent and child. The toolkit helps families navigate what can often be a complicated and challenging conversation, especially during the back-to-school season. Even if your child already has a device, this toolkit can spark new family conversations about establishing healthier digital habits.
“Back-to-school time means that Maine students will be utilizing their wireless devices for academic success,” said Jeremy Taylor, director of retail sales and operations for UScellular. “Parents and students will find technology can connect them to real-time information from schools and teachers and applications that can set their students up for success.”
UScellular offers these tech tips for the new school year:
Academic success: Apps like Khan Academy can help students catch up on difficult subjects or master specific skills. With practice exercises, quizzes, tests, and step-by-step help on a variety of topics, students can get the extra assistance they need for free.
Real-time school information: Many school systems across Maine use applications like Powerschool or Canvas to allow students and parents to access information on homework assignments, attendance, test grades, upcoming school events, and other important information. Parents should familiarize themselves with the application their child’s school uses and download it accordingly.
Phone updates and monitoring: Parents who haven’t purchased a new device for their student, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, should ensure all family phones and tablets have the latest software updates. Additionally, parents might consider parental controls for their children’s phones to manage online content. Applications like Bark allow parents to monitor content, manage screen time, and filter website content for peace of mind.
Time to accessorize: If you’ve invested in your child’s first phone or a new device, consider purchasing a protective phone case like the Otterbox Commuter. Portable chargers like the Mophie PowerStation are also helpful for students with after-school activities to ensure their batteries last all day when it’s time to call for a ride home.
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has donated more than $23 million in hotspots and service to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.
