OPINION

BY AIMEE PFANNENSTIEL, COX CENTRAL FLORIDA MARKET VICE PRESIDENT

The backpacks are packed and alarm clocks set, and students across Central Florida are back in school. These days, smartphones and internet access are as essential as pencils and notebooks. At Cox, we believe every student deserves the tools to succeed and the know-how to safely use them.

Keeping Students Connected

From quick homework searches to virtual classes and online learning tools, technology plays a big role in how kids learn today. That’s why we offer a few ways to help families stay connected:

  • Affordable home internet: Programs like Cox’s Connect2Compete help qualified K12 families get reliable home internet at a reduced rate, so students can focus on learning, not screen lag. In a recent survey, 90 percent of households said having internet access had a positive impact on their children’s education. In addition, 70% of parents said they were able to work remotely in their jobs or found a better job, and nearly 50% received a promotion or pay increase due to internet access at home.
  • Mobile access for learning anywhere: Smartphones and tablets aren’t just for fun, they’re powerful learning tools. Cox Mobile offers flexible options and devices to help students complete homework from anywhere. Just remember the new state law that says they can’t be used in school for elementary and middle school students.
  • Cox Digital Academy: This free online hub is packed with resources for students, parents, and teachers, from homework help and digital skills training to guides on parental controls and career planning. 

Making Online Safety a Priority

The internet is full of opportunities, but it also comes with some risks. Helping kids stay safe online is just as important as keeping them connected. Here are a few simple tips for families:

  • Set boundaries: Talk about screen time and what’s okay to watch or share.
  • Use parental controls: Cox offers tools to help parents manage online activity. For a great overview, check out the Common Sense Media guide to parental controls. 
  • Teach your kids about online safety: According to a recent Cox Mobile survey of the “Sandwich Generation,” adults taking care of both aging parents and young children, respondents report discussing online safety with their teens and parents regularly, many doing so daily or several times a week. They’re coaching them to take more precautions, such as creating strong, unique passwords (62%), enabling multi-factor authentication (56%), and removing unsafe apps and channels altogether (53%).
  • Talk about cyberbullying and privacy: Keep the conversation open. Help kids understand how to protect their personal info and treat others with respect online.
  • Stay in the know: Cox has up-to-date resources to help parents stay informed about digital safety. Want to learn more about keeping your family safe online? Visit the Cox Digital Academy and explore tools made just for parents.

We’re in This Together

Creating a safe, supportive online space for students takes teamwork. So, as you’re working on your back-to-school checklist, make sure you include:

  • Reliable internet
  • Mobile connectivity
  • Digital literacy tools
  • Parental controls

At Cox, we’re here to help families with the tools, tips, and tech they need to thrive in today’s digital world. As the school year kicks off, let’s work together to make sure every student can learn, grow, and connect — safely. 

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