We may all laugh about how the internet is taking over our lives, but in many ways, if we were suddenly to go without it, we would struggle immensely.

It’s not just that we use the internet for entertainment. Many of us rely on it to stay connected to our friends and family. And during a time when we’ve all had to quarantine in our own homes, the internet may provide our only means of checking up on our loved ones.

Young people in particular get a bit of stick for using the internet. Yes, teens and young adults may use their phones more than the majority population, but it’s one of the ways in which they socialise out of school. And now that millions of schools around the world are shut, this mode of communication is more important than ever.

Luckily, unneeded school buses are being used resourcefully – to offer WiFi to young people who don’t have their own internet at home. This will enable children across the country to speak to their friends and teachers, as well as complete any online schooling that has been set for them.

The sad reality is that many families can’t afford WiFi in their own homes. A report by the Federal Communications Commission found that 19 million Americans lack access to a decent broadband service.

While there are many internet companies who are offering their services for free during the pandemic, some families can’t even afford the technology, like modems and routers, to take advantage of this.

This why the school bus WiFi idea is so ingenious. Students can simply leave their homes, search for a big yellow school bus parked up in their neighbourhood, and use the internet to connect with their peers and catch up on work.

Speaking to WSFA News, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed spoke about the importance of the buses. He said: “Because we understand there’s a digital divide, and the coronavirus pandemic that we’re into right now has only heightened the chasm that exists between those who can access high-speed internet service and those who can’t.”

So far, more than 100 buses have been distributed around Austin, Texas, one of the largest school districts. This was made possible by a $600,000 grant from a provider of education technology.

Of course, the buses can’t be used all the time, and while they have a range of around 300 feet, children will still need to maintain social distancing. That means they can’t actually enter the bus, which could make things difficult in harsher weather conditions. But even so, having limited access to WiFi is far better than none.

For children without access to the internet, the WiFi buses give them the opportunity to stay in touch with the outside world. Being in quarantine may bring about loneliness, which is why it’s so important that our young people are not completely isolated with no means of outside communication.

It’s unfortunate that it’s taken COVID-19 to shine a light on the most vulnerable children in the US, but it’s unlikely that these government and community efforts will be dropped and forgotten when the pandemic ends.

Hopefully, similar support and financial solutions will continue to be provided to the children who need it most in the future.

Source: Upworthy, Federal Communications Commission, WSFA News,