With so many people opting to send their kids to cyber school this year, I thought I’d share a back to school guide focusing on teenagers going into virtual high school.  Some of these supplies are, at least in my opinion, absolute essentials. Others are just “really nice to have” items. All of them will help make their lives (and by extension, your life) easier in one way or another.

Back to Cyber School Shopping Lists for Teenagers

First, this isn’t mean to replace the list shared by your teen’s school, but rather a companion guide if you will. They’re all things my son has used when he was in REACH or will use when he starts cyber again in two weeks.

Also, the links below are affiliate links, so if you buy anything through them, I get a smidge of a commission at no extra charge to you.

Last note, I promise. You’ll notice that I left Chromebooks and laptops off the list. While this is definitely a major essential, your teen’s school will most likely supply it. Also, Amazon and Best Buy are almost completely sold out of every affordable model.  If you CAN find a good deal, I do like ACER Chromebooks quite a bit. I reviewed one back in 2017 that still works great.

1.Keyboard Cover

[amazon fields=”B07632PR2C” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Keyboard cover “]

If you’re using a school-provided Chromebook, this is absolute essential. The last thing you want to do is pay out the wazoo for a ruined laptop, especially considering schools tend to charge more than the devices are actually worth. This one comes in a bunch of colors, but read the description to see which devices it doesn’t fit.

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2. Ergonomic Laptop Stand

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Sure you could just plop your teen’s laptop on the table and call it a day. An ergonomic stand is far more back- and neck-friendly, though. This one is highly rated and affordable.

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3. USB Hub

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Chromebooks and laptops don’t really come with enough USB ports, especially if your teen uses a lot of peripherals like mine does. This one is compatible with pretty much everything, so you can swap it from Chromebook to MacBook to PC.

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4. External Mouse

[amazon fields=”B06XQW8DZB” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=” External Mouse”]

Trackpads on laptops are awful, in my opinion. Attaching an external mouse makes things so much easier, especially when your teen has to click those teeny, tiny little boxes during quizzes and what not. This one comes in a bunch of cute colors, works with Chromebooks, and is fairly inexpensive, too.

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5. Kindle Fire HD 10

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Why would you need a Kindle if you’re getting a Chromebook or laptop? For the same reasons you’d get one even though you already have a personal computer- they’re highly portable, durable, and versatile. Use it for everything from reading assignments to watching educational videos. When the school day is over, it becomes an affordable entertainment device.

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6. External CD/DVD Drive

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Very few laptops and Chromebooks come with internal CD/DVD drives, so if your kids plan to use CD-ROMS (some old-school programs use them) or just wants to use his Chromebook to watch DVDs, you’ll need an external one. This model has great reviews and doesn’t cost a fortune.

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7. Plenty of back and neck support

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8. Headset

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Wearing earbuds all day is actually super bad for your teen’s ears, so an over-the-ears headset is essential. I know this is a gaming headset, but it’s the pair that I use to watch Netflix and whatnot on my Kindle (i just tuck the mic out of the way). It’s very comfortable, and the sound is fantastic.

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9. A good surge protector

[amazon fields=”B000JE9LD4″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=” Belkin surge protector”]

With all the devices you’ll be plugging in, this one is absolutely vital. I like the Belkin model because it has swiveling outlets, so you can actually get everything plugged in rather than have a large brick take up half the strip.

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10.Digital Graphics Tablet

If your kids are taking art online, grab them a graphics tablet. Trust me, it’s a lot easier than trying to scan and upload their non-digital designs!

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11. Thinkster Math Tutoring

I know it’s not really a supply so much as a service, but Thinkser Math is great for kids of all ages who struggle with math class. I’m thinking about using it for Jake, since math is the one thing I can’t help him with at all. I haven’t understood his assignments since he was in 5th grade! I’m just that bad with numbers.

Get Started with your 1 Week Free Trial of Thinkster Math Today!