The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and BSD School Board Policy require that online tools be safe for students. We demand the following policy changes to protect students' mental health, attention spans, safety, and learning.

1. Use the Only-Allow List to Prohibit Recreational Screen Use During the School Day

The Problem: As district technology staff Steve Langford recently stated, "Nobody can filter at the website-level" with over 1.3 billion websites to monitor. We agree—website-level blocking is ineffective.

The Solution:

Change internet filters to "only-allow" lists during class time. This is standard practice in other districts and accessible through the existing Lightspeed portal. Some BSD staff have already created robust only-allow lists for their classrooms. This should be district-wide policy.

2. Return to Teacher-Led Instruction and Classroom Technology Sets

The Problem: District devices function as entertainment platforms, not learning tools. Teachers face an impossible task managing behavior while competing with constant digital distractions. Children's developing brains cannot self-regulate these distractions.

The Solution:

Establish screen time limits for K-3: Prioritize hands-on, non-screen instruction. Restrict screens to intentional, standards-aligned instructional purposes. This is an AAP-aligned recommendation.

Reimagine K–3 Technology Class: Reevaluate standalone tech classes centered on individual iPad use, videos, or digital games. Consider prioritizing play, social interaction, motor development, and teacher-led exploration instead—essentially a third recess with minimal, purposeful use of technology.

Support Middle School Chromebook Classroom Sets: Use classroom sets of Chromebooks instead of individually issued devices. While some BSD middle schools have attempted this model, sufficient support is lacking. Other districts have successfully made this transition with strong results.

3. Require Explicit Opt-In for Generative AI Tools

The Problem: AI tools increasingly include age-inappropriate features. ChatGPT now offers an explicit "Adult Mode." Grok is widely used to create pornographic images. AI-generated deepfakes and explicit content pose serious risks. Students also use AI to complete assignments dishonestly.

The Solution:

Block all AI tools except those expressly approved for teaching and learning. The district already provides vetted AI tools (Gemini, Magic School). Students should not access unapproved tools.

Provide Opt-In and Opt-Out options for any AI tools used for any student at any grade level.

AI use should be permitted only at the High School Level and only after completing an AI literacy course.

4. Improve Parent Tools and Training

The Problem: Parents carefully manage technology at home, but lose control of school-issued devices. We cannot monitor what our children access on district devices.

The Solution:

Weekly Parent Reports: Provide reports showing both time spent on devices plus apps and websites accessed by default.

Parent Training: Offer grade-level training on accessing parent reports and monitoring tools at convenient times and locations for all schools. Utilizing pre-existing events like curriculum night or PTO meetings is recommended.

Use the Opt-In structure for all Ed-Tech.

Informed Consent is offered for each individual EdTech platform for every student, including specifics on how data is shared and stored.

5. Increase Community Input and Transparency

The Problem: Families and teachers have raised these concerns for more than a year. Parents need a forum to express questions, recommendations, and concerns before they become even more problematic.

We Request:

Regular surveys on EdTech and screen use

A focus on intentional screen use and play-based learning for K-3

Town hall meetings on technology decisions

Form a Technology Advisory committee that includes parents and community members, that advises on Technology and

Provide a regular, detailed budget breakdown of the ed tech contracts (Google, Magic School Bus, Lexia, Dreambox, Aleks, etc.) so the community can understand how dollars are being spent

The research is clear: EdTech as used today is detrimental to learning, exposes kids to inappropriate content, encourages digital distraction and addiction, and infringes on student privacy rights. It's time for BSD to develop more intentional, science-backed policies and guidelines for classroom technology.