Students across the Emerald Coast have settled into their new school routine with backpacks unpacked and alarm clocks in full swing, but these days smartphones and internet access are as essential as pencils and notebooks.

• David Deliman, Cox Gulf Coast Market Vice President, says technology has fundamentally changed education. “From quick homework searches to virtual classes and online learning tools, technology plays a big role in how kids learn today,” he said.

“At Cox, we believe every student deserves the tools to succeed and the know-how to safely use them,” Deliman added.

The company offers several programs to help families stay connected. Cox’s Connect2Compete program helps qualified K-12 families get reliable home internet at a reduced rate, addressing what Deliman calls a critical need.

“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,” he said.

A recent survey found that 90 percent of households said having internet access had a positive impact on their children’s education. The survey also showed 70% of parents were able to work remotely or found better jobs, and nearly 50% received a promotion or pay increase due to internet access at home.

• “Smartphones and tablets aren’t just for fun, they’re powerful learning tools,” Deliman said, noting that Cox Mobile offers flexible options and devices to help students complete homework from anywhere. However, a new state law restricts smartphone use in schools for elementary and middle school students, with limited use allowed for high schoolers.

The company’s Cox Digital Academy provides free online resources for students, parents and teachers, including homework help, digital skills training, guides on parental controls and career planning.

Deliman emphasizes that connectivity must come with safety awareness. “The internet is full of opportunities, but it also comes with some risks,” he said. “Helping kids stay safe online is just as important as keeping them connected.”

Cox recommends families “set boundaries” and “talk about screen time and what’s okay to watch or share.” The company also suggests parents “use parental controls” and “teach your kids about online safety.”

According to a recent Cox Mobile survey of the “Sandwich Generation” – adults caring for both aging parents and young children – respondents discuss online safety with their teens and parents regularly. Many have these conversations daily or several times a week, coaching family members to create strong, unique passwords, enable multi-factor authentication and remove unsafe apps.

Deliman also stresses the importance of broader conversations about digital citizenship. “Talk about cyberbullying and privacy,” he recommends. “Keep the conversation open. Help kids understand how to protect their personal info and treat others with respect online.”

Cox offers parental control tools and recommends resources like Common Sense Media’s guide to parental controls.

• “Creating a safe, supportive online space for students takes teamwork,” Deliman said, encouraging families to include reliable internet, mobile connectivity, digital literacy tools and parental controls on their back-to-school checklists.

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