Tech keeps your students safe at school.

When my son went to preschool at age four, I taught him to use the cell phone I threw in his backpack for the kids. He had no apps and four numbers: Mom, Dad, Grandpa and 911. This was before he was in the headlines at school.

Many parents are shocked to find out what their child is doing on their phone, tablet or computer. Don’t be that parent. Be active. Just like you have the sex talk with your kids, have the digital life talk. Tap or click to set boundaries for parents and kids for the free tech contract.

A A new report shows There were 193 shooting incidents on school grounds during the 2021-2022 school year. I can’t imagine how stressful it must be to drop your child off school right now and wonder if they are safe.

That’s why I want to help any parent or guardian of school-aged children use the right technology. For your convenience, I’ve linked to some great products you can check out and order on Amazon. I receive a small commission from qualified purchases, but I assure you, my recommendations are always unbiased.

4 Quick Cyber ​​Security Steps Everyone Should be Taking Now

Here’s what I do

Many schools do not allow children to have cell phones in the classroom until they reach a certain age. Smart watches can be a better security tool than cell phones. This is the reason.

In an emergency, kids can tap a few buttons on the watch. This movement is more invisible than making a phone call, especially when the watch is hidden under the long sleeve.

For younger kids, I like T-Mobile. Check out SyncUP KIDS. It makes calls and texts to approved contacts, but also has real-time location tracking, virtual fences, and a button to press to call for help or 911.

The Apple Watch is great for older kids who use iPhones. Remember, this size is for adult wrists, so it’s not suitable for young children. The Apple Watch SE It’s a good deal compared to more expensive newer models.

Take the time to teach your child how to use any smartwatch. To use the Apple Emergency SOS feature, press and hold it. Side button Until the Emergency SOS slider appears. Dragging the slide Call emergency services and send your child’s current location to any emergency contacts. Here are the steps to set up emergency contacts..

Android phone for older kids and teens, the Samsung Galaxy Watch It includes an SOS feature that sends messages to designated emergency contacts and location information. You can adjust the settings to make this accessible by pressing the Home key three times. Here’s how.

Skip Fitbits because they don’t have an emergency or SOS feature.

Related: How to set up parental controls on all your kids’ devices: Windows, Apple, Android

Put a tracker on them or in their bag

A tracking device is another way to keep track of where your child is throughout the day. In an emergency, it can help you find them too.

If you have an iPhone, use AirTag. I have them everywhere: on my luggage, my dog’s collar, my car, my purse, you name it. Here are more clever uses for inexpensive trackers..

You can put one in your child’s bag, but it may not always be on them. Do what you feel is best for your child. I love these accessories that always fit perfectly on their body.

Kids can hide this silicone clip with the tracker in a pocket or waistband..

For small children, a necklace may be more convenient. Here’s a cute two-pack that holds the Airtag securely..

This key chain case It is a good option for toddlers and older children, but remember that it can be placed in a bag.

For Android users a Tile tracker or a Samsung Galaxy Smart Tag +.

Apps for your child’s phone

If your child has a phone and is allowed to bring it to school, there are ways to reach you quickly and quietly.

Life 360 It provides a way to track location and ask for help without saying a word. The free version includes an SOS help alert. If your child opens the app and taps the SOS button, an alert with their location will be sent to your pre-set emergency contacts.

Paid options start at $14.99 per month and add many more features.

Noon light It is another strong option. Your child can press a button to silently call for help. There is one more step, so this is better to use with older children and teenagers.

At noon, open the app and press and hold the “Wait until safe” button. If there is no emergency, release the key and enter the four-digit PIN to delete. Releasing the key without entering a PIN notifies the police of an emergency.

The safety net feature is also great. You can request check-in with your child; If they don’t respond, the app will help you track them down. Note: This only works with iPhones. Security Key works with iPhone and Android.

Know your options: 9 safety apps you need on hand in an emergency

Practice at home

It hurts to say this, but you should have safety drills at home so your kids know what to do if they need to. Teach them how to use their smart watch or phone app to contact you in an emergency.

Discuss with your child when and where it’s appropriate to take out their phone — and what constitutes an emergency. This is especially important for young children.

Privacy Tip: 5 Ways You Should Stop Being Tracked Right Now

Keep up with your technology

My favorite podcast is called “Kim Commando today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips and callers with tech questions like yours from across the country. Find your podcasts wherever you find them. For your convenience, click the link below for the latest episode.

Podcast selection: Get smart headlights, ads on Apple Maps, hidden trackers

Do you use navigation keys while driving? Hang up. You may have to deal with ads cluttering the screen. Ford also wants to make night driving easier with modern headlights. Also, is someone watching you with a hidden tracker? Here are some signs to watch out for.

Find my podcast “Kim Commando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.

Just search my last name “Komando”.

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What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio program and Click here or click here to find a radio station in your area..

You can listen or watch Kim Commando show On your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2022, Weststar Multimedia Entertainment. all rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualified purchases. I only recommend products that I trust.

Learn about all the new technologies on Kim Commando show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and advises on everything from smartphones and tablets to today’s digital lifestyle. Online privacy and data hacking.

For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com