Kid's Articles & News

Let's start with the basics of learning about EFAs. Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) are state-funded Education Savings Accounts introduced under the 2023 LEARNS Act. For the 2025-26 school year, the Legislation authorized approximately $277 million in total, and each EFA provides roughly 90% of per­student public funding. 

New this year is that every K-12 student in Arkansas, if approved, became eligible to receive approximately $6,800 per school year to cover private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, curriculum, tutoring, select extracurricular activities, and supplies. 

This represents a significant shift in the early phases (2023-2025) of the EFA program, which previously targeted specific groups, including students with disabilities, those in foster care, the homeless, military personnel, children in D-F rated schools, first­time kindergartners, veterans, and first responders. 

Private schools and approved service providers (e.g., tutors, curriculum companies) can opt in, subject to oversight by the ADE and standardized testing requirements. 

Funding & Fiscal Impact 

With universal eligibility for the 2025-26 year, applications surged. As of mid-June 2025, about 44,000 families had applied for EFAs statewide, and roughly 39,000 applications had been approved. (About 28,000 were private-school applicants and 16,000 homeschoolers.) 

To manage this, ADE is evaluating applications in "priority windows" (batch reviews) by statutory priority categories (returning EFA students first, then former Succeed-Scholarship students, students with disabilities, etc.), with lower-priority families put on a rolling wait list if funds run out. 

Waiting List & Process

ADE continues to process applications through rolling three-week windows, which will run through January 31. 2026. Families remain on the automatic waitlist, ordered by priority: returning participants, students with disabilities, D/F-rated school attendees, military and first-responder children, first-time kindergartners. and then all other applicants.

Options for Families Not Initially Accepted

l. Remain on the rolling wait list. Families are automatically considered when funds become available.

2. Reapply in a later priority window, which reopen roughly every three weeks through January 2026.

3. Explore alternative funding paths:

• Scholarships (e.g., ACE scholarships)
• Payment plans offered by private school
• Traditional public-school enrollment. which remains open

4. Monitor ADE's EFA portal. where schools may gain approval mid-year, or additional slots may become available. 

Why It Matters For Families

• Choice & Flexibility: EFAs enable families to pursue education

that matches their child's needs-be it private, religious, or

home education-without bearing full out-of-pocket costs.

• Financial Planning: Parents should factor in allowable

spending categories and verify participating schools and providers.

• Stay Informed: Watch out for updates on school participation

lists, legislative challenges, and ADE reporting.effectiveness of your campaigns in real-time.

Whether your child is asking for their first phone for safety, social life, or just "because everyone else has one," deciding when and how to introduce a mobile device is a major parenting milestone. In our digital-first world, a phone isn't just a gadget; it becomes a primary access point to a whole new world.

As a mom of a twelve-year-old daughter, I have struggled with deciding when it would be best to introduce a "first phone". My eldest son was granted a phone at the age of thirteen. He is now twenty-two and tells me I should have waited. He has also shared with me things he had access to, ways apps shared explicit content with him, and yes, while my mouth dropped open, he went on and shared how he was able to hide all of this from me.

Before judgment is cast, let me state that I did all the things: I researched and set him up with as many barriers as I knew, signed a pledge, and even had access to all of these devices. Usage boundaries were set, and limitations were enforced. In the end, it didn't seem to matter. If he didn't go curiously looking, it (they, them, whatever) came looking for him.

To help, here are some basic talking points to consider and guide you in being screen smart(er):

Is Your Child Ready?

There's no magic age. Some 8-year-olds handle tech like tiny IT pros, while some 13-year-olds still "accidentally" drop toast in the DVD player. Instead of focusing on age, consider:

• Maturity level: Do they follow rules without constant reminders?
• Need vs. want: Are you often apart, or do they walk to school solo?
• Self-control: Can they unplug without a meltdown?

If the answer to most of these is yes, they might be ready for the responsibility. If not, hold off or

consider a basic talk-and-text phone as a digital training wheel.

Worth noting, a recent report by Pew Research reported that while 95% of teens own phones, over

40% of parents regret giving one to them too early.

What Kind of Phone Should You Start With?

You don't need to hand over the latest iPhone with unlimited data. Start with:

• A basic smartphone or kid-friendly device (think Gabb, BARK, or Pinwheel).
• A limited plan with no access to social media.
• Parental controls are already activated (most phones have built-in tools).
• A strong protective case—because gravity happens.

Set up the phone together so they feel involved, but make it clear that it's still a privilege, not a possession.

Our preteens and young adults face more pressure than ever before from all access technology, and the interactions and expectations that come with it.

As parents, caregivers, and educators, we strive to do what is best for them. Some choices are easier than others, but what becomes challenging is not knowing about the quiet or hidden pressures teens may not see or be aware of, they face day-to-day.

Here are some top struggles they seem to be up against, with suggestions on how you or someone could help:

MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES

Anxiety, depression, and stress are on the rise due to academic pressures, social media influence, and personal struggles.

ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH PROACTIVELY

• Encourage open conversations about feelings and mental health.
• Normalize seeking professional help when needed.
• Teach stress-management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing.

SOCIAL MEDIA PRESSURE

The constant need for validation, cyberbullying, and comparison to unrealistic online standards can negatively impact self-esteem.

MANAGE SOCIAL MEDIA & ONLINE PRESSURE

• Set healthy screen time limits and encourage digital detoxes.
• Teach critical thinking about online content (not everything is real or worth comparing to).
• Promote positive online engagement and warn about cyberbullying.

ACADEMIC STRESS

Increased competition, high expectations from parents and teachers, and the pressure to perform well can lead to burnout.

REDUCE ACADEMIC STRESS

• Help teens prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Encourage breaks and a balanced lifestyle, rather than pursuing perfectionism.
• Offer support but avoid excessive pressure regarding grades.

PEER PRESSURE & SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Exposure to drugs, alcohol, and risky behaviors is common, often leading to poor decision-making.

NAVIGATE PEER PRESSURE & SUBSTANCE USE

• Equip teens with assertiveness skills to say no.
• Educate about the consequences of drugs and alcohol.
• Encourage friendships with positive influences.

IDENTITY & SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES

Many teens struggle with self-identity, body image, and self-worth, especially due to media portrayals of "ideal" beauty and success.

STRENGTHEN SELF-ESTEEM & IDENTITY

• Promote self-acceptance and body positivity.
• Help them explore interests, hobbies, and passions.
• Encourage journaling or creative expression for selfreflection.

FAMILY PROBLEMS

Divorce, financial struggles, and strained parent-teen relationships can create emotional and psychological challenges.

FOSTER STRONG FAMILY BONDS

• Have regular family discussions without judgment.
• Offer guidance rather than imposing control.
• Show unconditional love and support, even in tough times.

VIOLENCE & BULLYING

Physical, verbal, and cyberbullying remain significant issues, affecting mental well-being and safety in schools.

ADDRESS BULLYING & VIOLENCE

• Encourage reporting bullying incidents.
• Teach conflict resolution and self-defense if necessary.
• Build confidence through extracurricular activities like sports or clubs.

TECHNOLOGY & SCREEN ADDICTION

Excessive use of smartphones and video games can impact sleep, productivity, and real-life social interactions.

BALANCE TECHNOLOGY & REAL-LIFE CONNECTIONS

• Set tech-free times (e.g., during meals or before bed).
• Encourage outdoor activities and face-to-face interactions.
• Model healthy technology habits as adults.

FUTURE UNCERTAINTY

Fear of job prospects, college debt, and an uncertain economy can be overwhelming.

REDUCE ACADEMIC STRESS

• Help teens prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Encourage breaks and a balanced lifestyle, rather than pursuing perfectionism.
• Offer support but avoid excessive pressure regarding grades.

ROMANTIC & SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Navigating friendships, dating, and breakups can be emotionally complex and stressful.

SUPPORT HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

• Teach emotional intelligence and communication skills.
• Encourage independence and healthy boundaries.
• Discuss relationship red flags and signs of toxic behavior.