Founded in 2025, Schools Beyond Screens is a grassroots coalition of parents & teachers advocating for safer classroom technology. We believe the tech in our schools should be student-centered, not corporate-sponsored.
Although we started with a group of parents in the Los Angeles Unified School district, we’ve grown rapidly, and now encompass dozens of chapters throughout California and beyond.
We believe school districts must develop a cohesive plan and set of principles for the use of classroom technology. Too often, digital tools are adopted without evidence for their safety or effectiveness, based on nothing more than the claims of tech marketers. These products are a gateway to digital distraction, tempting kids to waste time on YouTube or video games instead of learning. And they cost millions of taxpayer dollars that might otherwise be spent on human teachers or facility improvements, all while exposing children’s sensitive data to predatory advertisers and the dark web.
Yes. Interest in new chapters has been growing across the US and around the world, and we're working hard to keep up with demand. If you'd like to start a chapter in your area, send us an email. We'll add you to our interest list and follow up as soon as possible. CONTACT US
Not at all! We simply believe technology use in school should be guided by thoughtful principles:
Technology in our schools should be used to facilitate, not inhibit, learning.
Technology in our schools should be safe for children, and used in developmentally appropriate ways.
The needs of students must come before corporate profits.
Students should learn fundamental computer skills.
All EdTech products must have independently proven educational benefits for students.
Students should not have access to distracting, non-educational content on school-issued devices.
Parents should be provided with detailed information about their child’s tech use.
YES! Our members encompass a wide range of beliefs and practices when it comes to technology, but we are all united in our desire for reasonable reforms to ensure that schools provide technology that is safe, effective, and legal.
There are several ways to get involved in the movement. Visit our Take Action page for a full list of opportunities and find the right fit for you.