CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Around the world, both parents and kids have spent long hours in front of a screen working, learning and keeping connected over the past 18 months as families adjust to a “new normal.”

Whether they’re returning to class in person or staying online, the experts at InfoWest – Southern Utah’s “Internet People” – seek to help parents prepare their students for success as a new school year begins. 

Keep distractions to a minimum

Distractions make it hard to focus. Creating a quiet, clutter-free space is key to student success. Making smartphones, gaming systems and other devices not needed for studying unavailable during school or homework time will be helpful as well.  

Because parents aren’t always around to keep an eye on device usage, customizable monitoring programs were created to fill in the gaps. With Connect Plus from InfoWest, parents can restrict access to gaming and set and enforce daily screen time limits by hitting “pause” on specific devices.

Take study breaks

Kids participating in school from home spend most of their day staring at a screen. With a world of connections at their fingertips, it can be difficult – but very worthwhile – to step away from devices. 

“A lot of screen time gets tedious,” said Cody Anderson, director of network operations for InfoWest. “Take a break and do something that’s not on your computer or tablet. Get outside and do some physical activity.” 

Focus on time management

Anderson recommends that parents and kids set expectations about setting time aside each day to study. Having a set schedule makes it easier for students to transition from school to non-school hours and helps parents plan their workday and errands. 

If kids need dependable internet to keep up with their classmates, InfoWest offers wireless broadband plans with maximum speeds of 100 Mbps in select areas, as well as tips for performing a connection speed test. Anderson said customers can rely on InfoWest’s local expertise for any help.

Be open to adjustments

The way each child learns is unique. Often it’s only through a process of trial and error that parents and kids find out what study plan works best for them. 

Remember that things don’t always go according to plan, Anderson said. If your daily schedule changes, go with the flow. You can get back on track tomorrow or make adjustments as needed moving forward. 

Be ‘SMART’ about online safety

It’s important for parents and kids to discuss the risks that come with using the internet and the foundations of online safety. Remember to take the SMART approach while browsing and chatting: 

• S = Stay safe. Don’t give out your personal information to people or companies you don’t know.
• M = Don’t meet up. It’s dangerous to meet up with anyone you’ve only had contact with online.
• A = Should I accept files? Accepting emails, files, text and pictures from people you don’t know may be harmful.
• R = Is the information reliable? Not everything on the internet is truthful. Make sure to check the source of information you find before accepting it as fact.
• T = Tell someone. If someone or something makes you feel uncomfortable, talk to an adult about it. 

Along with managing screen time, Connect Plus enables parents to block access to inappropriate websites, view browsing activity reports and receive notifications when a child’s internet usage doesn’t meet their rules. Connect Plus is available as an add-on to InfoWest plans and is also compatible with other providers, including CenturyLink and TDS.

Learn more about InfoWest’s products, services and community outreach on their website.

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

• S P O N S O R E D  C O N T E N T • 

Resources

• InfoWest | Telephone: 866-463-6937 | Website.
• Locations:
  • St. George: 435 E. Tabernacle St.
  • Cedar City: 360 W. 200 North.
  • Cedar City: 755 S. Main St., Suite 5.

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