Back to School Tech Picks for Tweens

This is a sponsored post. 

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This year, I have a rising Middle School student so I’m sharing my favorite Verizon Back to School Tech Picks for Tweens and young students. #VZparent

A few weeks ago I had the chance to spend some time at the Verizon store in Philadelphia with a handful of Moms to talk all about kids and technology.

As a Mom of a rising Middle Schooler I’ve discovered that in addition to the notebooks, pens, pencils and backpacks, we also have to add technology to our back-to-school shopping list. While visiting my child’s school I was told that kids are allowed to have their mobile device on them during class, are encouraged to use their mobile device to access learning apps and notes and can also listen to music on their device via earbuds during class. Our district has a 1:1 computer policy so he will also be on a computer all day for lessons, classwork and special assignments. Whether I’m ready or not, technology will be a part of my everyday.

Verizon Back to School Tech Picks for Tweens

Some of my favorite Verizon back to school tech picks for tweens include: 

• Apple Starter Phone iPhone SE Prepaid: 

  Kids don’t always need the latest and greatest cell phone to hit the market. My recommendation is to start your kids off with a starter phone like the iPhone SE Prepaid phone. This is a great phone for new technology users and provides your kids the ability to stay connected with their family and friends while also having access to all the latest cell phone apps. 

• FRE Case for iPhone SE: 

  Phones are expensive so I suggest buying a protective case to keep the phone protected. The FRE Case protects against scrapes and scratches with a crystal-clear built-in screen protector that still allows for touchscreen capabilities.

• Tempered Glass Screen Protector: 

  I have broken my phone more than I care to admit. Unfortunately my kids have inherited my clumsiness so in addition to a protective case, I also use a tempered glass screen protector. 

• Charging Devices: 

  Another must-have for my Middle Schooler is an external charging device. I like that charging devices can provide a safe, quick charge on-the-go. It is especially handy for those times when my absent-minded child forgets to charge his phone.

• urBeats3 Earphones: 

  I can’t getting away with buying discount earbuds anymore. This year my son wanted brand-name earphones. I love the urBeats3 because they are a high quality produce at an affordable price. 

• Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker 4-pack:

  My son has ADHD which means he can sometimes be a little forgetful and often loses track of his favorite items. The Tile Mate is easy to attach to keys and other items. Or simply slip it into the pocket of your jacket or backpack. From his phone, he can track his most important items and find them in an instant.

• Wearable Tech/Fit Bit – FitBit Ionic: 

  We’ve been talking a lot about our bodies as we prepare for Middle School. With my son growing and his body changing, staying healthy and fit is more and more important. I love the FitBit as a motivator for his walks, bike rides and other activities.

• Smart Home Media Devices – Google Home: 

  The Google Home is my back to school secret weapon. It’s like a personal assistant for everyone in the house. We use it for homework help, reminders, keeping lists and even for weather, games and daily jokes.

Verizon Smart Family

When it comes to technology and parenting it can bee a rocky road. To help me, I like to use Verizon Smart Family. It lets me know where my kids are by tracking their device. It also allows you to limit what they see on their devices by setting content filters and you can even turn off the Wi-Fi if they are using too much. If you have Verizon you must use Verizon Smart Family — I like to call to my parenting secret weapon.

Special thanks to my fellow Philadelphia bloggers for joining me at my live, back-to-school tech event. It was a great afternoon chatting all about our kids, technology and how we plan to tackle the new school year.

Join the Discussion

On Monday, August 27, 2018 at 9 pm EST I will be chatting online with some of my favorite, fellow parenting bloggers talking all things tech! Together we will get back to basics and help you become a more tech-savvy parent! RSVP and attend the chat for a chance to win a Google Home Mini or an Apple iPad!

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