Back-to-School Tech Checklist: Is Your Child Ready for the Year Ahead?

Chris Coulson
5 days ago
2 min read

As the final weeks of summer wind down and the start of school looms just around the corner, families everywhere are shifting from beach days to back-to-school prep. Between school supply runs and new schedules, don’t forget one of the most important items on your student’s list: technology.

Whether your child is heading into middle school or preparing for college, making sure they’re tech-ready can set the tone for a successful, stress-free school year.

Here are some smart tips to ensure your student has the tools they need to thrive.

💻 1. Choose the Right Laptop (Not the Most Expensive One)

Not all laptops are created equal—and more expensive doesn’t always mean better for schoolwork.

What to consider:

Durability: Look for sturdy builds and spill-resistant keyboards (especially for younger students).
Battery life: Aim for at least 8–10 hours for all-day use.
Size & weight: Lighter is better for backpacks and bus rides.
Performance: For most students, 8GB of RAM and a mid-range processor (Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5) is plenty.

📝 Bonus Tip: Check with the school to see if they have recommended models or platform requirements (Windows, Mac, or Chromebook).

🌐 2. Don’t Forget About Internet Safety

If your student will be working online—at home or on campus—teach them good digital habits:

Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible
Install antivirus and anti-malware protection
Educate them on phishing scams and how to avoid suspicious links

🎧 3. Accessory Essentials

Besides the device itself, a few accessories can make all the difference:

Noise-canceling headphones – great for focus in noisy environments
Laptop sleeve or backpack with padding – protects during commutes
Wireless mouse – for faster, more ergonomic navigation
External drive or cloud storage – for easy backups of assignments and notes

🕐 4. Keep Tech Running Smoothly All Year

Even the best tech needs a little TLC. Help your child stay on top of their digital tools:

Regularly install updates
Back up important files
Keep devices clean (inside and out!)
Set up parental controls or screen time limits, especially for younger students

📲 5. Consider Student Discounts

Many retailers and manufacturers offer special back-to-school pricing or bundles. Apple, Dell, HP, Microsoft, and others often include gift cards or accessories with student purchases. Ask about education discounts before you buy!