Getting back-to-school tech gadgets isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it shouldn’t be. What works for a second grader won’t cut it for a high school freshman. So how do you know what’s right, right now? This guide breaks it down by grade level, helping you match your kid with the right device for their stage of development.
This article is sponsored by Verizon.
Tech gadgets for ages 4–10: Freedom and focus
- Kid-friendly smartwatch, like the Gizmo Watch 3
- On-ear headphones
 |
Gizmo Watch 3
At this age, staying connected by text or two-way calling can be helpful to both kids and parents. The Gizmo Watch 3 helps kids and parents stay in touch through text messaging, including speech-to-text messaging, and voice calls through the GizmoHub app. Plus, built-in games, like Tic Tac Toe and Puzzle, make it fun to practice problem-solving skills, and parents can even set daily step goals to remind kids to stay active throughout the day. For students who walk to and from school each day, the Gizmo Watch 3 can also give parents peace of mind by allowing them to monitor their child’s location via an app on their phone.
👉🏽 Shop the Gizmo Watch 3
Kids On-Ear Headphones
On-ear headphones can be useful in the classroom for independent study or while working on the computer (if headphones are allowed). Noise-cancelling headphones can also make it easier for kids ages 6 and up to tune out background noise while doing homework after school. For this age group, try wireless headphones like the Belkin Soundform Kids On-Ear Headphones.
👉🏽 Shop kids’ audio
Tech gadgets for ages 11–15: First experiences
 |
- Parental control app, like Verizon Family Plus
- Smartphone alternatives like the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
- Affordable first phone options
Apple Watch SE
If you’re not ready to hand over a smartphone, a smartwatch like the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) is a great transition device. Then, when you decide that your tween or young teen is ready for their first phone, you should also talk about your family’s rules for and expectations around how to use the phone. For example, you may want to manage the apps they use or limit internet access on their phone after bedtime.
Verizon Family Plus
Verizon Family Plus can help. Install the companion app on their phone and Verizon Family Plus on your phone, and you can block certain sites or apps, set up trusted contacts, limit screen time and turn on location monitoring and location sharing. Parents can also choose to give their kids basic phones. These devices can give kids the connectivity they crave without the risks associated with unlimited access to the internet. Connected devices can be added to a plan through Verizon’s new bring-your-own-device promotion, which delivers savings on additional lines and select accessories.
👉🏽 Learn more about Verizon Family Plus
👉🏽 Verizon’s new bring-your-own-device promotion
Tech gadgets for ages 16 and up: Safety and independence
- Driving Insights with Verizon Family Plus
- Mobile and wireless accessories
 |
Driving Insights
Parents of new drivers have access to technology that can help monitor their kids’ driving habits as they commute to school, after-school activities, jobs and friends’ houses. Verizon Family Plus lets you monitor your teen’s driving, including speeding and hard braking, distance driven, phone use while driving and more. The Driving Insights feature can also be set to passenger status when they’re riding in a friend’s car or on the bus.
👉🏽 Learn more about Verizon Family Plus
Mobile Accessories
Older students can also benefit from more sophisticated tech gadgets such as wireless earbuds, wireless speakers and high-performance tablets, all of which can be used for online learning, homework, tutorials and educational games. Check out our full selection of mobile and wireless accessories.
👉🏽 Shop mobile and wireless accessories
Tech gadgets for the whole family: More fun—together
- Family-friendly gaming systems, like the Nintendo Switch 2 - Light Blue and Light Red
- Swap family movie night for family game night with Nintendo Switch 2 - Mario Kart World
 |
Nintendo Switch
Video games can make learning fun for students of all ages. That’s why we’ve added the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 to our back-to-school list. Educational games can help improve cognitive development, increase classroom engagement, enhance study habits and boost knowledge retention. Try to find spelling and vocabulary games that can improve written communication skills and standardized test scores, math games that can reinforce fundamental concepts, and brain teasers that can enhance problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
👉🏽 Shop the Nintendo Switch
👉🏽 Shop gaming gear
From smartwatches to gaming systems, these back-to-school tech gadgets help kids of every age stay connected, safe, and ready to learn.
