Building on the momentum & success of the cellphone bans that have already been enacted across the country, it’s time for schools to embrace intentional, kid-centered, evidence-based policies around classroom tech. These include:
Eliminate all device use for TK - 2.
Eliminate 1:1 device use for 3 - 8, limited device use with computer cart or lab model as is deemed curriculum appropriate.
Block student access to YouTube, as well as all gaming, video-streaming and social media on student devices.
Require all apps used for instruction or on school issued devices to be ad-free.
Disable student access to any generative AI tools, apps, websites, and software on all school-issued devices until this technology has been proven safe, legal, and effective, and until age-appropriate guidelines are established.
Prohibit all student device use during passing periods, lunch, and recess.
Require explicit parental consent for each app that collects data, per FTC guidelines on COPPA.
Transparency in technology use in schools both on devices and in teacher led instruction.
Create clear pathways for parents and students who wish to opt out of device-based instruction, without penalty or reprisal, providing low-tech alternatives.
Require all EdTech products to meet independent standards for efficacy, and to prove that any benefits outweigh potential risks.
Prohibit screen time from being used as a reward, incentive, or behavioral reinforcement for students.
Our Student Tech Bill of Rights is the set of guiding principles that informs these proposals.
Our Model Tech Policy is a template that can be adapted for use by any district.