CSD strongly recommend a home broadband internet connection to access online learning resources. Although we have hotspots available upon request, a broadband connection offers a far more reliable experience to support online learning.

If the cost of broadband is a challenge, families have several options for discounted service.

• Access from AT&T
• Comcast Internet Essentials
• Verizon Forward
• The federal government offers the Lifeline program to support connectivity for eligible families.

Families can request a temporary hotspot from their school media center, or check one out from the DeKalb County Public Library. Please note that hotspots use a cellular data connection to get online -- areas with poor cell phone reception often have poor hotspot performance. Hotspots will also often interfere with other nearby wireless signals; hotspots might not perform well in a home where there is existing Wi-Fi.

While controls on devices can be help limit screen time and block inappropriate content (see sections below), there are critical non-technical things adults can do to have a positive influence on students' healthy use of technology:

• Adults rolemodeling healthy use of technology.
• Clear expectations about acceptable technology use. These should be understood by both adults and students and revisited even when things are going well.
• Regular conversations about family members' online experiences -- the good, the bad, the confusing.
• Adults and students exploring together the positive ways technology can connect families, support learning, and contribute to society.

Some third-party resources to consider:

• Common Sense Media Parent Section: Common Sense Media provides resources for families to vet a variety of content, including apps and online resources. There are also articles and tips addressing a variety of opportunities and concerns surrounding students' use of technology. Este contenido también está disponible en español.
• Google's "Be Internet Awesome": Google launched this platform to "teach kids the fundamentals of digital citizenship and safety so they can explore the online world with confidence."  Este contenido también está disponible en español.
• The National PTA
• Stay Safe Online: Published in partnership with the National Cyber Security Alliance, this site provides articles and tips regarding basic online security and privacy.

Major manufacturers of home computers, phones, and game systems have apps and settings to help families filter content, manage screen time, limit app access, etc. The effectiveness of these tools are greatly enhanced when they are part of family discussions and norms about acceptable technology use.

Both Apple and Android phones have tools to help people better monitor their screen time. In addition to providing feedback to children using these devices, parents/guardians might consider using these tools to support their role modeling of healthy technology use.

Apple Devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV)

• Apple Families: Track family app use, set limits, support downtime, manage purchases
• Setup Screen Time feature for iPad, iPhone, or Mac

Android Devices and Chromebooks

• Google Family Link: App for managing apps, content access, and screen time for Android phones and Chromebooks
• Manage a child's account on a family Chromebook
• Microsoft Family Safety: App for managing screen time on Windows computers, Xbox, and Android devices

Microsoft Windows computers and Xbox

• Microsoft Family Safety: App for managing screen time on Windows computers, Xbox, and Android devices

Nintendo Switch

• Nintendo Switch Daily Limits
• Nintendo Switch Parental Controls: App to manage Nintendo Switch devices

Sony PlayStation

• Sony PlayStation play time controls

Consider consulting trusted third-parties to evaluate apps before agreeing to install something on a child's device. Possible review sources include

• Bark app reviews
• Common Sense Media app reviews