The return to school brings plenty to organise: uniforms, lunches, shoes, bags and probably a few things your child has forgotten over the summer.

It’s also a good time to check the technology your family relies on. A school laptop or tablet needs to be ready for homework, online lessons, research and communication. At the same time, your child may be spending more time online, so a few simple safety checks can give you both extra confidence.

You don’t need to be a technology expert. This guide explains what to check in plain English, with no jargon, no judgment and no stress.

Start with a simple device MOT ✅

Before the first day, sit down with your child and test the device they’ll be using. It’s much easier to discover a problem now than at 8:30am on the first morning of term.

1. Install updates

Check for updates on:

• The laptop or tablet
• The internet browser
• School applications
• Video calling software
• Antivirus or built-in security tools

Updates often include important security fixes as well as improvements that help software run properly. Turn on automatic updates where possible, but still restart the device afterwards so the updates can finish.

If your child uses a Windows laptop, make sure Windows Update has completed. On an Apple device, check macOS or iPadOS updates. You should also update apps through the relevant app store.

2. Check the storage

A device that is nearly full can become slow and difficult to use. Look through old downloads, duplicate photos, unused games and last year’s school files.

You could create a few simple folders such as:

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Projects
• Homework

Keep important work, but remove anything that is no longer needed. A tidy device makes it easier for your child to find their work when they need it.

If storage is still low, we can help you decide whether files should be moved to cloud storage or whether the device needs an upgrade.

3. Test the battery and charger

Charge the device fully, then use it for a while without plugging it in. Does the battery last for a reasonable amount of time? Does the charger work reliably? Is the charging cable damaged or loose?

Make sure your child knows where the charger is kept and agrees to charge the device regularly. A consistent charging spot at home can prevent a lot of rushed mornings.

If the battery only lasts a short time, or the laptop switches off unexpectedly, it may need a battery replacement or further checks.

4. Check the keyboard, screen, camera and sound

Open a document and test every important part:

• Can your child type comfortably?
• Are all the keyboard keys working?
• Is the screen bright and free from cracks?
• Can they hear sound through the speakers or headphones?
• Does the microphone work?
• Does the camera work for online lessons?
• Are the charging and USB ports secure?

It’s worth testing headphones too. Your child may need them for videos, online lessons or quiet study.

5. Test the Wi-Fi

Try the device in the room where your child usually works. Open a few websites, watch a short video and log in to the school portal if possible.

If the connection is weak in that room, try moving the router, reducing interference or using a suitable Wi-Fi extender or mesh system. Rural homes and larger properties can have particular connectivity challenges, so don’t simply assume the laptop is at fault.

Also check whether other devices are competing for bandwidth. Streaming, gaming and video calls can all affect the connection. Agreeing some simple homework-time rules may help everyone get online more reliably.

6. Make sure the printer works

If your child needs to print work, test the printer before term begins.

Check that:

• It connects to the home Wi-Fi
• There is paper available
• The ink or toner is not empty
• Your child knows which printer to select
• A test page prints correctly

If the printer has been unused for a while, it may need cleaning or a software update.

7. Set up backups

A broken or lost device is frustrating. Losing an important project or essay can be even worse.

Set up automatic backups using a service such as OneDrive, Google Drive or iCloud, depending on the device your child uses. Show your child how to save their work and check that it is appearing in the correct folder.

You don’t need to make this complicated. The main aim is to make sure homework is not stored in only one place.

When does a device need computer repair?

Some problems are simple settings issues. Others need a proper inspection.

Consider arranging computer repair if the device:

• Runs very slowly even after a restart
• Becomes unusually hot
• Switches off without warning
• Has a cracked screen
• Has keys that do not work
• Shows repeated error messages
• Has been affected by a virus or suspicious software
• Cannot connect reliably to Wi-Fi
• Has a battery that no longer holds a charge

Good computer maintenance can also help prevent problems. Removing unwanted software, checking security, installing updates and reviewing storage can make an older laptop feel more reliable.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure what the problem is. You can describe what the device is doing, and a technician can help you work out the next step.

Help your child stay safer online 🔒

Online safety works best as an ongoing conversation, rather than one long list of rules. Your child may be more likely to tell you about a problem if they know they won’t immediately be blamed or have their device taken away.

Start with a calm conversation about what they do online, who they speak to and what they should do if something feels wrong.

Use parental controls together

Parental controls can help you manage:

• Screen time
• Bedtime access
• App downloads
• Games and social media
• Website filtering
• Online purchases
• Who can contact your child

The settings you need will depend on the device. Apple devices include Screen Time, Android devices can use Google Family Link, and Windows devices include Microsoft Family Safety.

Set the controls with your child where possible. Explain what they do and why you’re using them. Controls are helpful, but they should support regular conversations rather than replace them.

You can also check the parental controls available through your broadband provider. These may help filter content across devices connected to your home Wi-Fi.

Protect passwords and accounts

Encourage your child to use a different password for important accounts. Passwords should not be based on easy-to-guess information such as their name, school or favourite football team.

Where available:

• Turn on two-step verification
• Never share passwords with friends
• Never share one-time security codes
• Log out of shared computers
• Ask before downloading unfamiliar apps

Make sure you know which school accounts, email addresses and gaming accounts your child uses. Keep recovery details up to date so you can help if they become locked out.

Teach them to pause before clicking

Phishing is a type of scam message designed to trick someone into clicking a link, opening an attachment or sharing information. Children can be targeted through email, text messages, gaming platforms and social media.

Common warning signs include:

• A message creating panic or urgency
• A promise of free game credits or prizes
• A request for a password or security code
• A sender they do not recognise
• A link that looks unusual
• A request to keep the conversation secret

Agree a simple family rule: if a message feels unexpected, your child should pause and ask you or another trusted adult before clicking.

If something has already been clicked, stay calm. Disconnect from the internet if necessary, close the page and tell a trusted adult. The National Cyber Security Centre’s phishing guidance explains how to spot and report suspicious messages.

Review social media privacy

Sit with your child and review the privacy settings on each platform they use. Check:

• Who can view their profile and posts
• Who can send messages or friend requests
• Whether their location is being shared
• Which apps can access their camera, microphone or contacts
• Whether their posts can be reshared

Encourage your child not to share their school name, address, daily timetable or regular journey publicly. Photos can reveal more than they realise, including house numbers, school badges and locations.

Also remind them that people online are not always who they claim to be. Your child should tell you if anyone pressures them for photos, personal information or secrecy.

Talk about who they speak to

You don’t need to know every conversation your child has. However, it helps to understand which apps, games and groups they use.

Ask open questions:

• “Who do you usually play with?”
• “What happens if someone is unkind?”
• “Do you know how to block or report someone?”
• “What would you do if a stranger messaged you?”

Make sure your child knows they can come to you, even if they have made a mistake. Your first response should be to help them feel safe and work out what happened.

Create a healthy screen-time routine

A balanced routine can help with sleep, concentration and family time.

You might agree to:

• Charge devices in a shared room overnight
• Keep phones away during meals
• Set clear homework-time expectations
• Take regular breaks from screens
• Avoid screens just before bedtime
• Make time for offline activities

Every family is different. The most useful rules are the ones you can apply consistently and discuss openly.

You don’t have to sort everything alone

If you’re not confident with technology, you’re not silly and you’re certainly not alone. Our friendly local team is patient with families and will explain what’s happening in plain English.

You can visit EB IT Support for free drop-in technology advice any weekday during core hours, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, at our Boston location:

Boston Enterprise Centre, Venture Way, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 7TW

Please contact us or call 01205 627240 before travelling, so we can confirm that the team is available and not out on a callout.

We can also help remotely, from £55 per hour, or arrange on-site support from £79.99 per hour. Our remote support service can help with updates, backups, security settings, slow computers, Wi-Fi and printer problems. If you’d prefer us to come to you, our home on-site support covers setup, repairs, upgrades and troubleshooting.

You’ll have one familiar local team to turn to, with no jargon, no pressure and transparent pricing.

Ready for a calmer start to term?

A little preparation now can make the first few weeks of school much easier. Check the device, test the connection, protect the accounts and keep talking with your child about staying safe online.

🎒 Special back-to-school offer

Need laptops/tablets ready for school or work? 10% off an eligible support appointment. Mention 'back to school', book by 3 Sept, and your appointment by 30 Sept 2026. eb-it.uk | Office Mon–Fri 9–5; VA 24/7

If you’d like a hand with computer maintenance, computer repair, parental controls or any other family technology problem, get in touch with EB IT Support. We’re here to help you get everything working properly, safely and with no stress.