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7 Technology Tools in Schools That Could Be Violating Your Privacy

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7 Technology Tools in Schools That Could Be Violating Your Privacy

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Technology has transformed classrooms, giving students access to incredible learning tools—but not all of them are as harmless as they appear. From apps that track participation to platforms that monitor online behavior, many technology tools in schools collect vast amounts of personal data. Parents often assume that school-approved tools are safe, yet privacy policies can be vague, and oversight is limited. Understanding which tools may quietly gather information can help families take steps to protect their children’s data. Here are seven technology tools in schools that could be violating your privacy more than you realize.

1. Learning Management Systems That Track Student Behavior

Learning management systems, or LMS platforms, are central to many classrooms today. They organize assignments, track attendance, and record student engagement—but they also store massive amounts of personal data. Many LMS programs log how long a student spends on a page, what resources they click, and even what time of day they log in. While these metrics can help teachers identify struggling students, they also create detailed digital profiles. These technology tools in schools often retain data indefinitely, raising questions about who can access it and how it might be used later.

2. Educational Apps with Hidden Advertising Networks

Countless educational apps claim to make learning fun, yet many quietly share data with third-party advertisers. Information such as location, browsing habits, and device details can be collected without parents realizing it. Even free apps approved for classroom use sometimes rely on advertising networks for revenue, blurring the line between education and marketing. When children use these apps for assignments or homework, their personal data can end up feeding targeted advertising profiles. This makes some of the most common technology tools in schools potential privacy risks in disguise.

3. Proctoring Software That Monitors More Than Tests

Remote test proctoring became widespread during virtual learning, but it hasn’t gone away. These programs often use webcams, microphones, and screen monitoring to prevent cheating. However, they can capture far more than intended, recording background conversations, personal spaces, and nonverbal behavior. Some systems even store biometric data, such as facial recognition patterns, without clear consent or expiration dates. These technology tools in schools may serve an academic purpose, but their invasive design raises major privacy red flags.

4. School-Issued Devices That Double as Tracking Tools

Many schools now provide Chromebooks, tablets, or laptops to students, but these devices come with monitoring software built in. They can record browsing activity, search history, and keystrokes—even outside of school hours. Parents might not realize that once a child logs in, the device may still collect data at home. While schools claim the goal is cybersecurity and accountability, such constant surveillance can cross into personal territory. The convenience of these technology tools in schools often comes at the cost of digital privacy.

5. Classroom Cameras and Security Systems

Cameras placed in classrooms or hallways are meant to enhance safety, yet they also introduce serious privacy concerns. Many of these systems use cloud-based storage, meaning footage could be accessed—or hacked—remotely. If used for disciplinary tracking or monitoring classroom engagement, recordings could inadvertently capture sensitive student interactions. Some schools have even tested facial recognition software for security purposes, raising questions about consent and data ownership. These seemingly protective technology tools in schools could end up collecting more personal information than parents ever intended.

6. Communication Platforms That Store Conversations

School messaging platforms make it easy for teachers, parents, and students to stay connected. However, chat logs and email archives stored on these platforms can contain sensitive personal details. Many communication systems automatically back up data on external servers, where it can be retained indefinitely. In some cases, administrators—or even vendors—can access message histories. While convenient, these technology tools in schools may leave private family or student information exposed if not properly secured.

7. Online Research Tools That Track Search History

Students are encouraged to explore online resources, but many school-endorsed search tools and digital libraries track user behavior. These platforms may log every query, bookmark, or downloaded document. Over time, such information can be linked to individual student profiles, creating detailed records of their interests and habits. Some services share anonymized data with third parties for “research” or “product improvement,” though true anonymity isn’t always guaranteed. Even seemingly harmless technology tools in schools can pose risks when they quietly collect and store search data.

Protecting Your Family’s Data in a Digital Education Era

Parents can’t eliminate every risk, but awareness goes a long way toward protection. Before approving apps or logging into school portals, review privacy policies and ask administrators about data storage practices. Encourage your child to log out of school accounts when devices are used for personal browsing, and consider requesting data deletion at the end of each school year. Transparency between families and schools is key to maintaining trust. With so many technology tools in schools, informed vigilance is your best defense against unintentional privacy violations.

Have you ever discovered a school tool collecting more information than you expected? How do you handle privacy concerns in your child’s digital classroom? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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11 Ways Kids Are Outsmarting Parental Controls

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11 Ways Kids Are Outsmarting Parental Controls

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Parents trust parental control apps and settings to keep their children safe online, but tech-savvy kids are often one step ahead. With curiosity, creativity, and peer advice, they find ways to bypass safeguards that parents thought were foolproof. What may look like innocent screen time can quickly turn into exposure to restricted apps, sites, or conversations. Recognizing how kids are outsmarting parental controls is the first step in reinforcing digital safety.

1. Using Alternate Devices

One common trick is simply turning to another device. If a child’s main phone or tablet is restricted, they may borrow a sibling’s, friend’s, or even a school laptop. This instantly gives them access to content outside of parental oversight. Parents often focus on one device, forgetting that others in the household can serve as loopholes. Knowing this tactic helps families tighten controls across all electronics.

2. Clearing Browsing Histories

Many kids quickly learn that clearing browsing history hides evidence of restricted activity. With just a few clicks, they can erase any trace of websites visited. This makes it harder for parents to notice when rules are being broken. Parents may assume no history means no browsing, but the reality is often the opposite. Kids are outsmarting parental controls by making it seem like nothing happened at all.

3. Using Private Browsing Modes

Most browsers offer “incognito” or private browsing features. Kids use this mode to access websites without leaving a record in the history. To parents checking later, everything looks clean and safe. This simple trick is often one of the first ways kids discover how to bypass restrictions. Conversations about private browsing can help close this gap.

4. Guessing or Resetting Passwords

Children who are persistent may try to guess passwords to parental control apps or accounts. Others may find ways to reset them through email prompts or security questions. Once inside, they can disable restrictions entirely. Parents may not even realize controls have been altered until much later. Stronger, less predictable passwords can make this more difficult.

5. Using VPNs to Hide Activity

Virtual private networks, or VPNs, let kids disguise their online locations. With one downloaded app, they can bypass geographic or parental restrictions. Some children learn about VPNs through friends or even social media. This makes it easy for them to reach content that should be blocked. Parents often underestimate just how simple it is for kids to use these tools.

6. Creating Fake Accounts

When parents monitor social media, kids may create hidden accounts. These “finstas” or fake profiles allow them to interact freely without parental oversight. While their main account appears harmless, the secondary one tells a different story. Kids are outsmarting parental controls by playing both sides at once. Checking for duplicate accounts can help parents stay more aware.

7. Exploiting Time Zone Settings

Some kids change the time zone on their devices to bypass screen time limits. This trick allows them to gain extra hours of usage undetected. Parents may assume controls are working, but in reality, the child is bending the clock. It’s a clever loophole that highlights just how resourceful kids can be. Monitoring device settings regularly can catch this tactic.

8. Disabling or Uninstalling Apps

Parental control apps can be deleted or disabled with surprising ease. Some kids even reinstall them before a parent checks, making it seem like nothing changed. Others may simply restrict permissions to prevent apps from functioning properly. When apps aren’t monitored closely, parents may not notice they’ve been tampered with. This shows the importance of consistent follow-up.

9. Turning to Friends for Access

If a child can’t get past restrictions on their own, they may rely on friends. Visiting a friend’s house or borrowing their phone can give them a free pass. Parents often forget that peer environments can override restrictions set at home. This kind of social workaround is especially common with gaming or social media. Open conversations about trust and responsibility are essential.

10. Hiding Apps in Plain Sight

Kids sometimes download apps that look innocent but serve as gateways to hidden activity. These apps may disguise themselves as calculators or utilities. In reality, they allow file storage, private messaging, or browser access. Parents glancing at a home screen may overlook them entirely. Learning to recognize these disguised apps can help parents stay informed.

11. Outpacing Parents’ Tech Knowledge

Finally, kids often know more about devices than their parents do. Whether through YouTube tutorials, TikTok hacks, or peer groups, they quickly learn advanced workarounds. This knowledge gap means controls can be bypassed before parents even realize the loophole exists. Staying informed and continually learning about new technology is the best defense. Kids are outsmarting parental controls because they adapt faster than most adults.

The Real Solution Lies Beyond Restrictions

While controls and filters are important, no system is perfect. Kids will always find creative ways around barriers, making communication the strongest safeguard. Setting clear expectations, building trust, and having ongoing conversations about online behavior matter more than apps alone. Parents who combine technology with open dialogue create a safer digital environment. The goal isn’t to win a battle of wits but to build a relationship that keeps kids both safe and honest.

Do you think kids are outsmarting parental controls faster than parents can keep up? Share your experiences in the comments below.

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6 Parenting Tech Shortcuts That Can Expose Your Child to Strangers

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6 Parenting Tech Shortcuts That Can Expose Your Child to Strangers

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Technology has made parenting more convenient, but those same tools can create new risks that parents often overlook. While apps, devices, and online platforms promise safety and efficiency, they can also open the door to strangers if not used carefully. Many families rely on parenting tech shortcuts to save time, yet these shortcuts can compromise privacy and security. Being aware of the hidden dangers behind these tools is the first step toward protecting your child.

1. Location-Sharing Apps That Overshare

Parents often use apps that allow kids to share their location, believing this keeps them safe. The problem is that some apps make tracking information accessible to more than just parents. Strangers can exploit weak privacy settings and gain access to real-time data about where your child is. Even if the app seems trustworthy, third-party data sharing can expand the risk. Reviewing permissions and limiting who has access is crucial when relying on these parenting tech shortcuts.

2. Smart Speakers Listening In

Many households use smart speakers for homework help, music, or entertainment. However, these devices often record conversations and store them in the cloud. If accounts are not properly secured, strangers or hackers could access sensitive information. Children may unknowingly share details about their school, friends, or routines while chatting with the device. Parents should always check privacy settings and avoid linking personal accounts too freely to these parenting tech shortcuts.

3. Kid-Friendly Tablets with Weak Security

Tablets designed for children often come preloaded with apps and games. While they appear harmless, some apps collect data without clear consent. Free games in particular may expose kids to strangers through chat features or hidden advertising networks. The default settings on these devices rarely prioritize security. Parents should adjust restrictions before handing tablets over, because these parenting tech shortcuts can create digital entry points for outsiders.

4. Social Media Profiles for Young Kids

Some parents create social media accounts for their children to share milestones with friends and family. Unfortunately, these profiles can be discovered by strangers if privacy settings are left unchecked. Photos, names, and even location tags can provide more personal information than parents realize. Once shared, images and posts can be copied or misused without consent. Using these parenting tech shortcuts to simplify sharing may inadvertently expose a child’s personal life to the public.

5. Homework Help Apps That Collect Data

Digital homework helpers seem like a dream come true for busy families. Yet many require account creation, data entry, or even access to a child’s camera and microphone. This data may be sold to advertisers or left vulnerable to breaches. Some apps also allow peer-to-peer interactions that aren’t always closely monitored. Parents should carefully vet any platform, because these parenting tech shortcuts often prioritize convenience over safety.

6. Video Calling Tools Without Supervision

Video chats help kids stay in touch with family and friends, but unsupervised use can lead to risky connections. Many platforms allow users to be contacted by strangers if privacy settings aren’t configured properly. Kids may accidentally accept calls or messages from people they don’t know. Even well-meaning relatives can leave devices unlocked, giving others an opening. Parents should supervise video calls and use parental controls to minimize the risks tied to these parenting tech shortcuts.

Awareness Protects What Shortcuts Can’t

Convenience is tempting, and parenting tech shortcuts can save valuable time. Yet shortcuts should never come at the cost of safety. By paying attention to privacy settings, monitoring device use, and asking tough questions about data collection, parents can stay one step ahead. Technology itself isn’t the enemy, but careless use can expose kids to strangers. Staying vigilant ensures children enjoy the benefits of tech without being put at unnecessary risk.

What parenting tech shortcuts do you rely on, and how do you make sure they stay safe for your child? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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12 Cool Toys in The 80’s

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The 1980s was a golden era for toys, with many iconic and innovative playthings that have left a lasting impact. Here, we take a nostalgic look back at 12 cool toys that defined the decade and brought joy to countless children.

1. Rubik’s Cube

The Rubik’s Cube, invented in 1974 but gaining immense popularity in the 80s, became a global craze. This 3D combination puzzle challenged kids and adults alike, offering endless hours of entertainment. Its colorful, twistable squares made it a staple in toy collections worldwide.

2. Transformers

Transformers, the shape-shifting robots, captivated children’s imaginations in the 80s. These action figures could transform from vehicles into robots, adding a unique twist to traditional toys. The accompanying animated TV series and comic books further fueled their popularity.

3. Cabbage Patch Kids

Cool toys from the 80s

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Cabbage Patch Kids were the must-have dolls of the 80s, with their unique, hand-stitched appearance. Each doll came with its own birth certificate and adoption papers, making them feel special and unique. The demand for these dolls was so high that it led to frenzied holiday shopping seasons.

4. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe action figures were among the most popular toys for boys in the 80s. These muscular heroes and villains, along with their fantastical accessories, allowed for epic battles and adventures. The accompanying animated series helped cement their place in pop culture.

5. My Little Pony

My Little Pony brought a world of colorful, magical horses to life for young children. These toys featured brushable manes and tails, encouraging imaginative play and care. The franchise expanded with TV shows and movies, making it a beloved brand.

6. Teddy Ruxpin

Teddy Ruxpin was an animatronic storytelling bear that captivated kids with its moving mouth and eyes. This interactive toy played stories through a cassette tape inserted in its back, bringing tales to life. It was one of the first toys to combine technology and traditional play.

7. G.I. Joe

G.I. Joe action figures were another staple of 80s toy collections, offering endless military adventures. These highly poseable figures came with detailed accessories and vehicles. The brand’s animated series and comic books added depth to the stories kids could create.

8. Care Bears Are Still Cool Toys

Care Bears were colorful, plush bears each with a unique symbol on their belly, representing their personality and duty. They promoted messages of caring and sharing, making them a hit with younger children. The franchise included an animated TV series and movies, further endearing them to fans.

9. Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

The NES revolutionized home gaming in the 80s, bringing iconic characters like Mario and Zelda into households. This console offered a vast library of games that provided hours of entertainment. Its success helped revive the video game industry after the crash of 1983.

10. Pound Puppies

Pound Puppies were plush dogs that came with their own adoption certificate, encouraging nurturing play. These toys were designed to look like lovable, adoptable pets, appealing to children’s desire to care for animals. The accompanying animated series helped boost their popularity.

11. Simon

Simon was an electronic memory game that challenged players to repeat increasingly complex sequences of lights and sounds. Its simple yet addictive gameplay made it a favorite among both kids and adults. The game’s colorful design and flashing lights added to its appeal.

12. Masters of the Universe Castle Grayskull

The Castle Grayskull playset was a central piece for any He-Man collection, offering a backdrop for epic battles. This massive, detailed fortress included traps, secret doors, and accessories, enhancing imaginative play. It became a symbol of the Masters of the Universe franchise.

These Cool Toys Are Timeless Treasures of the 80s

The 1980s were a magical time for toys, with many innovative and beloved playthings that left a lasting legacy. From action figures to interactive dolls and groundbreaking gaming consoles, these toys provided endless joy and creativity. Looking back, it’s easy to see why these 12 cool toys remain iconic symbols of a treasured decade.

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18 Home Appliances Millennials Are Replacing With Smarter Gadgets

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home gadgets

DALL-E

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, millennials are the driving force behind the rapid adoption of smart gadgets in homes. As this tech-savvy generation settles into adulthood, they’re swapping out traditional home appliances for innovative devices that offer convenience, connectivity, and a touch of cool. Here’s a look at 18 home appliances that are getting a smart makeover, appealing to the millennial preference for technology that simplifies and enhances everyday life.

1. From Coffee Makers to Smart Brewers

coffee maker

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Morning routines are sacred, but millennials are making them smarter with Wi-Fi-enabled coffee makers. These devices can be programmed from your bed via a smartphone app, so your brew is ready by the time you hit the kitchen. They can even remember your favorite recipes and respond to voice commands through integration with home assistants.

2. Traditional Thermostats to Learning Thermostats

smart thermostat

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Heating and cooling no longer require a manual dial or a standard programmable thermostat. Smart thermostats learn your habits and adjust temperatures based on your schedule and preferences, optimizing home comfort and energy usage. Remote adjustments are standard, allowing temperature control from anywhere, anytime.

3. Basic Blenders to Smart Kitchen Systems

smart blender

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Millennials are upgrading their blenders to all-in-one kitchen systems that not only blend but cook, chop, and weigh ingredients. These smart blenders connect to apps providing recipes and nutritional information, making them a valuable tool for health-conscious individuals looking to streamline their kitchen duties.

4. Simple Slow Cookers to Multi-Cookers

multi cooker

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The slow cooker has seen a major upgrade with the rise of multi-cookers like the Instant Pot. These devices combine the functionality of a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, and more into one smart appliance. With app integration, you can start dinner from your phone and have a meal ready as soon as you get home.

5. Old-Fashioned Ovens to Smart Ovens

smart oven

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Smart ovens offer functions ranging from pre-programmed recipes to internal cameras, allowing you to monitor your food via your smartphone. Some even come with precision baking technology, ensuring perfect results every time. These ovens often feature self-cleaning technologies, making them a favorite among tech enthusiasts who love to cook.

6. Manual Light Switches to Smart Lighting

smart lighting

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Replacing traditional light switches with smart lights allows millennials to control lighting remotely, set timers, and create mood-based scenarios. Integration with virtual assistants means you can adjust lighting with simple voice commands, which is perfect for setting the ambiance without lifting a finger.

7. Conventional Doorbells to Video Doorbells

video doorbell

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Security is key, and smart video doorbells are replacing old models for an added layer of safety. These devices stream live video to your smartphone, so you can see and speak with visitors from anywhere. Motion sensors alert you to activity, providing peace of mind whether you’re home or away.

8. Standard Washing Machines to Smart Washers

smart washing machine

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Smart washers come with a host of features like remote start, soil sensing, and energy-efficient cycles that are easily managed from an app. Some even integrate with smart home systems to run when energy costs are lowest, aligning with millennial values of efficiency and sustainability.

9. Bulky Vacuum Cleaners to Robotic Vacuums

robot vacuum

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The manual vacuum cleaner is taking a back seat to robotic vacuums, which clean autonomously and can be controlled via smartphone. Features like mapping technology and voice control make these devices a popular choice for those looking to minimize household chores and maximize leisure time.

10. Static Security Systems to Integrated Smart Home Systems

smart home system

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Millennials are enhancing home security with systems that integrate cameras, sensors, and alarms, all controllable from a single app. These systems provide real-time alerts and the ability to check in on your home remotely, ensuring safety and control like never before.

11. Rudimentary Refrigerators to Smart Fridges

smart fridge

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Today’s smart refrigerators go beyond just keeping food cold. Equipped with touchscreen interfaces, they can display family calendars, play music, or even let you see inside without opening the door. Shopping lists, spoilage alerts, and recipe suggestions are just a few taps away.

12. Basic Bathroom Scales to Smart Scales

smart scale

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Gone are the simple weight scales; smart scales now measure body composition, tracking everything from body fat percentage to water weight and muscle mass. Syncing this data to health apps helps millennials stay informed about their health and fitness goals.

13. Traditional Toasters to Smart Toasters

smart toaster

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Smart toasters allow for precise control over browning levels and are programmable for different types of bread, ensuring the perfect toast every time. With features like “lift and look” and automatic adjustments, breakfast just got a lot easier—and more fun.

14. Clunky Irons to Smart Steamers

steamer

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The iron is being replaced by smart steamers that quickly and efficiently remove wrinkles from clothing without the risk of burning. These devices often come with app integration for optimal settings and maintenance alerts, making laundry less of a chore.

15. Regular Air Purifiers to Smart Air Quality Monitors

air purifier

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Smart air purifiers not only clean the air but also monitor air quality in real time, sending alerts and recommendations via apps. These devices can adjust their settings automatically to maintain optimal air quality, a boon for health-conscious millennials.

16. Analog Clocks to Smart Alarm Clocks

digital alarm clock

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Smart alarm clocks do more than just wake you up. They simulate sunrise to wake you gently, play your favorite music, or even offer guided meditation sessions. Integration with smart home systems means they can trigger morning routines like turning on lights or starting the coffee maker.

17. Traditional Speakers to Smart Speakers

smart speaker

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Smart speakers are replacing conventional ones, offering not only music playback but also smart home control, voice assistants, and more. They serve as a hub for managing connected devices, making them an indispensable part of modern living.

18. Manual Locks to Smart Locks

smart lock

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Smart locks are revolutionizing home security with features like keyless entry, remote locking/unlocking, and temporary access codes for guests. They can be managed via smartphone apps, providing flexibility and peace of mind for millennials who prioritize security and convenience.

Out With the Old, In With the New?

a woman listening to music

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In conclusion, millennials are at the forefront of adopting smart home technology, transforming the way we live and interact with our homes. These 18 smart gadgets not only offer enhanced functionality but also align with the millennial values of efficiency, convenience, and sustainability. The future of home living is undoubtedly smarter, and millennials are leading the charge.

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What Is the Greenlight Card for Kids?

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If you have kids that are in middle school and high school, you likely feel the need (as I do) to teach them financial common sense.  The hope is that eventually they will be able to move out on their own and be financially responsible.  However, this lesson isn’t quickly learned, and it requires a lot of parental oversight to do it right.  One tool that can help you is the Greenlight Card for kids.

Greenlight Debit Card for Kids

What Is the Greenlight Card for Kids?

The Greenlight Card for kids is a debit card your children can use, but it comes with some amazing parental controls so you can help guide and influence your children in their money habits.

Please note that if your kids have smartphones, there is an app they can use which will show them their balance and chores and allow them to make requests.  However, the Greenlight Card for Kids can be used if kids don’t have smartphones, also.

Features of the Greenlight Card for Kids

This card makes allowances high tech.

Instantly Deposit Money

You can reward your children for chores well done by depositing money in their Greenlight Card.  Within the card app, children can set up different categories such as spend, save, and give.  They can also set up long-term goal categories such as saving for a car.

Parental Benefits

You can help your children manage their money with this helpful card.  You’ll be given real time spending alerts.

Teach your children about interest by giving them interest payments on their savings.  You decide how much you want to give them.

In addition, you can enable the feature that allows them to withdraw money from the ATM and set how much they’re allowed to withdraw.  Or, you can make withdrawing money off limits.

Features for Older Kids

Greenlight Debit Card for Kids

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If your teens have jobs, they can have their paycheck automatically deposited to the Greenlight Card for Kids.  The card can also be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Safety Features

Each Greenlight Card is FDIC insured.  In addition, the card blocks your children from spending money for gambling or buying lottery tickets.  They also won’t be able to spend money at places like massage parlors and horse or dog races, and they cannot get cashback from a purchase.  You’ll get an alert if they try.

In addition, parents have the ability to turn the debit card on or off, should they need to.

How Much Does the Greenlight Card Cost?

The first month is free.  After that, you pay $4.99 for debit cards for up to five kids.  Should you need replacement cards, the first replacement cards are free.

Final Thoughts

The Greenlight Card for Kids offers a way to give your children financial independence while also providing parental oversight so you can help guide your children into financial growth.  This tool is an excellent way to exchange money between parents and kids while having features that let your children grow in responsibility as they grow up.

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How to Create a Digital Vision Board

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Digital Vision Board

Have you set goals for yourself?  Would you like to utilize a strategy to make those goals reality more quickly?  If so, a vision board may be just what you need.  Since most Americans are on their electronics most of the day, a digital vision board may be even more helpful.

How to Create a Digital Vision Board

Creating a digital vision board should only take an hour or two, but its impact should influence you for the rest of the year.

Determine Your Goals

The first step is to determine your goals.  What do you want to accomplish over the next 12 months?  What is working successfully in your life that you want to maintain?  What inspires you?

Make a list of seven to ten goals and items in your life that you want to maintain.

Then, it’s time for the fun—actually choosing the images for your vision board.

Choose Your Digital Vision Board Images

The next step is to find images that best visualize what you want to achieve in your life.  For instance, if you want to graduate from college, you may have an image of a woman in a cap and gown posing with her children.  If you want to cook at home more, you may have a picture of a luscious homemade meal or a woman cooking.

Pick at least one picture for each of your goals, though you can pick more if you’d like.

In addition, you may want to add in a few inspiring quotes to keep you motivated throughout the year.

Where to Find Images

When you’re looking for images, the best place to start is Pinterest.  Because there are so many pictures there, you can really find one that speaks to you and is unique to your own goals.  You can also find motivational quotes here.

While you’ll likely find all that you need on Pinterest, if you don’t, you can go to a place like Unsplash and find images there.

Digital Vision Board

Photo by Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash

Remember, you can also use your own personal photos.  If one goal is, “take a family vacation,” use a picture of the family on your last vacation as motivation.

How to Put the Digital Vision Board Together

Finally, to put the digital vision board together, go to Canva.  (It’s free!).  Once you’re in Canva, click on “Create a Design” and choose “Desktop Wallpaper.”

Next, upload all of the photos and quotes that you have chosen.

Click on “Elements” in the side bar and type in “grid.”  Then choose the grid pattern you would like and starting arranging your pictures.

Final Thoughts

For years, athletes have used visualization to help them perform better.  When you visualize something repeatedly, you’re more likely to achieve that goal.

By placing a digital vision board somewhere you will see it repeatedly throughout the day, say on your desktop, you’re subconsciously reinforcing the vision of your future and your likelihood of making that vision a reality.

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Tips to Improve Eye Fatigue from Online School

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Since March, our kids have been spending MUCH more time in front of the computer.  Some kids are taking synchronous learning via Zoom, which means they are in front of the computer for a full school day, five days a week.  For most people, this is way too much screen time.  If your child is complaining of eye issues, try these tips to improve eye fatigue.

Tips to Improve Eye Fatigue from Online School

Tips to Improve Eye Fatigue from Online School

My 10-year old is homeschooled, but she’s still on the computer much more than she used to be.  She has eight hours of therapy a week online, she’s taking some Outschool classes, and she’s had a bit more screen time than normal thanks to the pandemic.  After a few months of this, she started complaining about her eyes hurting.  Taking these steps, we’ve remedied some of the problem.

Buy Blue Light Filtering Glasses

Probably the best thing we did was buy blue light filtering glasses.  Anytime our daughter has to use the computer, she uses her glasses.  She finds such relief from eye fatigue using these, that she won’t even use the computer if she can’t find them.

Turn Down the Brightness on the Computer

The other thing she did was turn down the brightness on her computer almost all the way.  This helps reduce the amount of light she gets and also reduces eye squinting.

Limit Consecutive Computer Activities

She’s very firm now that she doesn’t want one computer activity after the other.  She repeatedly asks me to schedule her Zoom sessions with at least an hour or two separation so that her eyes have time to rest.  By doing this, along with using the blue light filtering glasses and turning down the brightness of the computer, she’s been able to resolve most of her eye fatigue.

Take Eye Breaks

Of course, we have the luxury of scheduling breaks for her computer activities.  Kids in synchronous online classes don’t get that choice.  If that’s the case for your child, teach them the rule of 20-20-20.  For every 20 minutes staring at the screen, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.  This gives your eyes the chance to refocus and helps prevent eye fatigue.

Limit Computer Usage

Finally, if you’re able, limit your child’s computer usage.  On the days our daughter uses the computer a lot for therapies and school, we limit her free time on the computer.  (She actually asked to do this.)  Rather than 30 minutes of free computer time, she has 15, or she foregoes it altogether.

See an Eye Doctor

Tips to Improve Eye Fatigue from Online School

Photo by Liam Welch on Unsplash

If you use all of these tips to improve eye fatigue and your child still has issues, consider seeing an eye doctor to make sure the discomfort is not caused by something more serious.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to the pandemic, our lives have changed in ways we couldn’t have imagined a year ago.  Problems creep up like eye fatigue that need remedies.  If your children’s vision is suffering, hopefully these tips to improve eye fatigue from online school will help reduce their discomfort.

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Is Gabb Wireless a Good First Cell Phone?

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Though we put it off as long as we felt we could, this summer, we decided to get our child a cell phone for his birthday.  We had specific requirements for a cell phone.  Namely, we didn’t want it to have internet access, yet we wanted it to look like the phones his friends use.  We did a lot of research before we finally bought a phone from Gabb Wireless.

Is Gabb Wireless a Good First Cell Phone for Kids?

Features of a Gabb Wireless Cell Phone

While a Gabb Wireless cell phone doesn’t have all the features a typical cell phone has, it does have several important ones:

  • A 5” display,
  • 2 MP front and 5 MP rear camera,
  • 5 mm Earphone Port for headphones,
  • Battery that lasts up to three days,
  • 2GB RAM/16GB ROM,
  • Coverage on a nationwide 4G LTE network, and
  • 12 essential apps including phone, messaging, contacts, camera, video, gallery, calendar, calculator, clock, voice recorder, FM radio, and file manager.

In addition, Gabb Wireless doesn’t require a long-term contract.  You pay month by month (billed on the 15th of the month with payment on the 17th), and you can cancel at any time.

You can go to the Gabb Wireless website to see if coverage is available in your area.

Is Gabb Wireless a Good First Cell Phone?

Honestly, the answer depends on what you’re looking for.  However, there are several reasons why Gabb Wireless is a good first cell phone for our child.

Unlimited Text and Calling

We use Ting for our own cell phone service, so we were pretty sure we didn’t want to add him to our plan.  (With Ting you pay as you use, so you pay for each individual call and text, which we didn’t want to do with a teen.)

Our teen isn’t particularly chatty, but he uses his new Gabb Wireless cell phone a lot.  He is working on a political campaign, and part of his work is calling registered voters for about six to eight hours a week.  That translates to A LOT of cell phone calls.  We’re so glad he has unlimited calling!

He also likes to text his friends, so he uses that feature frequently.

No Internet Access

We specifically wanted a phone that didn’t have internet access and all of the trouble that could potentially go with the internet such as viewing inappropriate content, spending too much time playing games or using social media, or just fueling a cell phone addiction, which is so easy to do.

We wanted our teen to have a cell phone, but we didn’t want to give him too much device that he wouldn’t handle responsibly.  In a few years, he can upgrade to a regular smart phone.

Appearance

If you’ve spent any time looking for cell phones that don’t have internet access, you know that many of them look like relics from 15 years ago.  We really appreciated that the Gabb Wireless cell phone looks like any other regular smart phone.  That was an important feature for our teen.

Low Cost

Our child is forgetful and not the most gentle with his possessions, so we wanted a phone that was reasonably priced.  We bought the cell phone from Gabb Wireless for $69 on sale.  (Sometimes they have sales where the price of the phone goes as low as $49!)

Gabb Wireless has their own network, so we pay approximately $24 a month for the service, but as I mentioned, there is unlimited text and calling.  So, the total outlay between buying the phone and paying for service for a year is $357 ($69 for the phone and $288 for a year of coverage).

Basic Apps

Is Gabb Wireless a Good First Cell Phone for Kids?

Photo by Lance Anderson on Unsplash

The phone does have basic apps and features that our teen enjoys.  He listens to music on his phone when he takes walks, and he uses the alarm feature frequently.

Downsides to the Gabb Wireless as a Good First Cell Phone

If you’re a parent who wants a simpler phone for your kids that keeps away many of the dangers of a traditional smart phone, Gabb Wireless may be a good first cell phone for you.  However, there are definitely some drawbacks to this phone.

No Ability to Track

The majority of smartphones give you the ability to track your child.  You can quickly check and see exactly where they are.  This gives parents reassurance that children are where they’re supposed to be when they say they are.  In the unlikely chance that your child gets kidnapped (or if he simply gets lost), the tracking feature can also help the police find him.

Unfortunately, Gabb Wireless does not have this ability.  For some parents, that alone is a reason to not buy this phone.  I do hope that this is something Gabb Wireless is able to remedy in the future.

Can’t Send or Receive Images

While a Gabb Wireless phone does have a camera, you can’t use the camera to send photos in your texts.  Texts can only send text messages.

I completely understand why Gabb Wireless did this, but still, sometimes this feature can be annoying.  Within the first week of getting his phone, my son was chatting with his aunt who sent over some pictures of her dogs, but my son did not receive the images.  He was a bit embarrassed to tell her that his new phone doesn’t let him view images.

No Way to Monitor Texts

Since there is no Internet on this phone, there is no way to install monitoring software to monitor your child’s texts.  This seems to be a flaw in an otherwise extremely safe phone.  I would hope in future models that Gabb Wireless could address this issue.

Final Thoughts

For our family, Gabb Wireless is a good first cell phone.  It looks like other smart phones with more capabilities, and it offers basic features that are necessary for younger children.  Yet, it takes away one of the greatest sources of addiction as well as mischief—the Internet.

There are some drawbacks to this phone, but overall, Gabb Wireless is the best “safe” cell phone we found on the market.

Choosing Your Kids’ First Cell Phone

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first cell phone

Cellphones are everywhere and it is common to see kids with their own phones. Since pay phones are obsolete, it can be a great idea to get your child a cellphone so that they can reach you at any time. Especially once they are active in extracurricular activities and building a social life outside the home. How do you choose one? Do you just opt for a smartphone to add to your plan? Before you go the simplest route you can think of, here are some things to consider and options to think about before purchasing a new line.

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