My best tip for home before the start of the school year: a backpack makeover
Back-to-school season is hectic and there’s so much to do, so I’ll keep it short: my single best tip that you can use throughout the school year is to put together a safe, high-tech backpack for your kids.
The right backpack tech can help your kids get out of tech jams, let them call for help, and prepare the whole family for surprises. These five (mostly kid-friendly) steps are all you need.
1. Find a USB-friendly (and cool) backpack with a charging pack
A good backpack has a port for a USB cable and space for a spare battery.
Step one is finding a new backpack that is ready for today’s school technology — easier said than done, I know. You don’t have to to have to upgrade the backpacks if your kids already have a favorite option, but it’s a great starting point.
The challenge is to find a backpack that both parents and kids like. Nordace has a well designed smart backpack with a fabric back that allows for decorative pins ($110), but for some young children this may be too boring. This cheap Flymei package ($25) has a better style, while this Lixada model ($88) has a programmable LED screen. All of these options include a USB-friendly design with space for a power bank and a path to run a USB cable. Now the backpack is always ready to charge a student’s laptop or phone when they accidentally forget to check the battery life again.
You can also opt for a traditional package such as LL Bean’s Junior Book Pack for Younger Children ($35) and equip them with a charging pack as they get older and use more devices.
2. Attach a smart GPS tracker
AirTags are a great accessory for your backpack.
These days, there are easy-to-use GPS trackers everywhere, from pet collars to winter coats. My favorite choice for a back-to-school backpack is Apple’s AirTag, not only because it’s so easy to use, but also because it offers a cheap AirTag Loop This makes it easy to attach to a backpack, both indoors and outdoors, so that the small tracker does not get lost unexpectedly.
Once you set up the AirTag (which takes literally minutes for Apple users), you can pinpoint the location of the backpack, get notified if a backpack may have been left behind, and track where the backpack goes.
One important note about kid-friendly trackers: Schedule periodic battery recharges into your calendar now, before school starts, so you’re not surprised by a dead tracker at the worst possible time. Oh, and you might want to call your school about using an AirTag, since some districts discourage parents from using trackers.
3. Hide an emergency call button
An all-in-one panic button is a great addition to a school backpack before kids are ready for a smartphone.
If you have safety in mind for younger children who are heading to school, I also recommend finding a small internal pocket to store a special panic button or similar emergency device. My personal favorite is the newest model from Silent Beacon , which has two-way phone capabilities, can automatically call the number of your choice when activated, and has five different alert modes to set (plus water resistance). That makes it perfect for a young child’s backpack before they’re ready for their own phone.
You can also choose a simple personal alarm that can hang from a backpack and sound a loud siren when needed, for a much more affordable price. Either way, take the time to sit down with your child and explain how, why, and when to use panic buttons like these.
When your child is old enough to have their own smartphone, consider an emergency alert app like SABRE Personal Safety or the simpler one Afternoon Light so that they are ready.
4. Pack a key fob for your security system
The Arlo Keychain is unique in its compatibility with doorbells.
A fob is a simple, keychain-friendly device that can also be attached to a backpack loop and automatically disarms your security system and/or smart lock when it comes near. It’s incredibly useful when schedules clash and your child needs to get into your home before you do without having to remember an access code.
Fobs are common for almost all home security systems. Arlo just released one for its affordable home security kit that also works with its video doorbell. If you have a security system, put a fob on your little one’s backpack and thank me later.
read more: Best Home Security Systems We’ve Tested
5. Keep it light
Make sure the backpacks are light for children who travel a lot.
If you’re going to be packing heavy electronics into your child’s backpack, now’s a good time to load it up with school supplies and do a weight test on your scale. The backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 15% of your child’s current weight, preferably around 10%. As laptops, batteries, thermoses, books, and supplies add up, that weight can quickly become a concern. Take some measurements early and adjust accordingly to keep your kids healthy.
For more insight into home security improvements that will help keep your family safe, we recommend checking out the best DIY home security systems and the best wireless home security systems.
