We are asking Upper Arlington School District to take bold action on the growing crisis of excessive screen time in our schools.

We urge the district to adopt a comprehensive screen time policy that includes the following:

Give parents transparency and meaningful opt-out rights. Provide access to children's total screen time and activity on district devices. Allow families to opt out of specific EdTech programs, not just blanket consent forms, and ensure that alternative learning methods are always available.

Evaluate all EdTech platforms for educational value, data privacy, and design practices and reduce/eliminate products accordingly. Require all EdTech products to meet independent standards for efficacy, and to prove that any benefits outweigh potential risks. Vet platforms not only for data privacy and security, but also for educational effectiveness, persuasive design, and gamification, which has been found to negatively affect students’ intrinsic motivation and academic performance.

Eliminate devices for the youngest students. Make kindergarten through 2nd grade a device-free learning environment, except where required for mandated assessments. The research is clear regarding the critical importance of minimizing screen time for young children in favor of physical, social, and direct interaction. Experts emphasize that true, deep learning and memory consolidation are often best achieved through active manipulation of materials, face-to-face dialogue, and collaboration—activities that screens often displace. Children at this stage of development need hands-on, in-person learning above all else.

Transition away from 1:1 device assignment in elementary and middle school. Allow families to OPT IN to devices going home for assignments in middle school. Move to a shared laptop cart/computer lab model for grades 3–8. Permanent 1:1 device assignment for children is not supported by research and contributes to excessive cumulative screen exposure.

Set enforceable screen time limits by grade level. Establish clear daily and weekly maximums for screen use on district devices, with less screen time for younger students. Screens should be used only when they provide educational value that cannot be replicated offline.

Prioritize paper, physical textbooks, and off-screen assignments & homework. Research consistently shows better comprehension and retention with print materials. Policies should actively encourage analog alternatives, especially for learning at the elementary and middle school level. Teachers should be supported (not just directed) in making this shift, with practical resources and examples of analog alternatives for assignments.

Eliminate device use during unstructured time, including lunch periods, and as a reward or choice-time activity through 8th grade.

Form a technology advisory council. Establish a standing advisory council that includes parents, teachers, and administrators to provide ongoing oversight of the district's technology policies and EdTech contracts. This body should meet regularly and have a meaningful role in evaluating new platforms before adoption.

For details on these proposed and to join the, view and sign our petition here.