Family Technology Resources

Low-Cost Internet Access

Families who need affordable home internet service can use Internet for All Now to explore available low-cost internet programs and receive enrollment assistance.

• Explore Low-Cost Internet Options

Families may also call the Get Connected! California Call Center at 833-938-3298 for assistance identifying and applying for available programs.

Program availability, pricing, and eligibility requirements vary by internet provider and household location.

Common Sense Media

Orange Unified School District uses Common Sense Education resources to help students develop the skills needed to use technology safely, responsibly, and thoughtfully.

Students complete grade-level digital citizenship lessons that address topics such as:

• Online safety and privacy

• Digital footprints and online reputation

• Cyberbullying and digital communication

• Media balance and healthy technology habits

• Information literacy and responsible content use

Families can review the district’s assigned lessons and access additional resources for supporting responsible technology use at home.

• View OUSD Digital Citizenship Lessons
• Ultimate Guides for Parents
  • Managing Digital Parenting Anxiety
  • Generative AI

Common Sense Media also provides families with age-based reviews of movies, television programs, books, games, apps, and other media, along with practical guidance about social media, screen use, online safety, and emerging technology.

• Visit Common Sense Media

Family Planning Guides

Families may use Common Sense to discuss expectations for device care, online safety, privacy, respectful communication, and healthy media habits. Discover the resources below to research how to make screen time safe and positive.  There are also parent guides on nearly every subject.

• View the Family Tech Planners
• View the Parents' Ultimate Guides

Healthy Technology Use

Technology can support learning, creativity, communication, and connection. Families can help students develop healthy habits by creating clear expectations for when, where, and how devices are used.

Helpful family practices include:

• Establishing device-free times, such as during meals and before bedtime

• Encouraging regular movement, sleep, and in-person activities

• Discussing the apps, games, videos, and social media students use

• Modeling balanced and respectful technology use

• Watching for changes in mood, sleep, schoolwork, or relationships

• Revisiting family technology expectations as children grow

Families can use the resources below to learn more about screen use, social media, online safety, and healthy digital habits.

• Common Sense Media Family Resources
• American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan

Research and Guidance for Families

Research about adolescent technology use suggests that family involvement, communication, and guidance can play an important role in helping young people develop healthy digital habits.

The resources below provide families with research and practical guidance about technology, social media, and adolescent well-being.

Adolescent Mental Health and Technology Use Study
Review findings from a national study of adolescents and their parents, along with an evidence-based tip sheet for families.

• View the Study and Parent Resources

Family Technology Handbooks

Families should review the following handbooks for information about student technology use, device care, district expectations, and applicable policies.

OUSD 1:1 Handbook
Explains expectations for the appropriate use, care, security, and return of district-issued student devices.

• View the OUSD 1:1 Device Handbook

Parent and Student District Policy Handbook
Provides districtwide policies and expectations for students and families, including requirements related to technology use.

• View the Parent and Student District Policy Handbook

The OUSD 1:1 Device Handbook supplements the technology policies included in the Parent and Student District Policy Handbook.

Device Insurance

Orange Unified School District does not provide or sell device insurance for district-issued student devices.

Families may wish to check whether their homeowners, renters, or other private insurance policy provides coverage for accidental damage, loss, or theft. Some third-party companies may also offer separate device-protection plans.

Coverage, deductibles, exclusions, and claim procedures vary by provider. Families are responsible for reviewing any policy carefully and confirming whether district-issued devices are eligible for coverage.

Students and families remain responsible for following the care and use expectations outlined in the OUSD 1:1 Device Handbook.

Lost, Stolen, or Vandalized District Devices

If a district-issued device is lost, stolen, or damaged through burglary or vandalism, notify the student’s school as soon as possible.

Families should complete the district’s Burglary or Vandalism Report Form and submit it according to the instructions provided on the form.

If a device is stolen, families may also be required to file a police report and provide the report number or a copy of the report to the district.

The school and district will review the information, update the device’s status, and provide any additional instructions.

• Complete the Burglary or Vandalism Report Form

Digital Literacy and Reading Resources

Explore digital literacy and reading resources that families can use to support learning at home. The collection includes tools, websites, and activities that encourage reading, research, creativity, and responsible use of digital information.