Bellingham Public School Families for Intentional Technology in Schools

We, the undersigned parents and caregivers, respectfully request that Bellingham Public Schools update EdTech policies and procedures in line with our proposals listed below. We recognize that technology can play a role in education. However, current levels of screen exposure, particularly for young children, are developmentally inappropriate, insufficiently transparent, and often inconsistent with best practices in child development, learning science, and data privacy. Families deserve meaningful choice, clear consent, and policies that prioritize students’ well-being over convenience or default digital use.

We therefore request the following actions:

1. Match LAUSD’s Policies

LAUSD’s "Using Technology with Intention" Resolution was passed unanimously on April 21, 2026. Key elements of the LAUSD resolution include:

2. Reconsider the 1:1 device model by grade level

Building on the LAUSD Resolution, we ask the district to adopt a developmentally appropriate approach to technology use, including no 1:1 devices for elementary school students, and reduced device dependence for older students. We request a return to computer carts or computer labs as is deemed curriculum appropriate through middle school. Children learn best through hands-on, relational, and sensory-rich experiences - not screens. Using Chromebooks as a default instructional aide poses too big of a distraction for young students.

3. Require that school-devices remain at school for grades 8 and below

To preserve healthy boundaries between school and home and to reduce unnecessary screen exposure, school-issued student devices should remain at school. Provide paper and pencil options for any work needing to be completed at home. Provide adequate charging stations at school.

4. Continue to block student access to any generative AI tools, apps, websites, and software on all school-issued devices

Families should not be forced into using emerging technologies, with unknown developmental and ethical implications, by default. Please continue to block Generative AI tools until this technology has been proven safe, legal, and effective, and until age-appropriate guidelines are established.

5. Ensure EdTech products are independently proven to be effective

 We also request that EdTech products meet independent standards for efficacy, and to prove that any benefits outweigh potential risks.

6. Guarantee a meaningful opt-out from EdTech

Families should have the right to opt out of educational technology without penalty to their child. We request a clear, written pathway for opting out, with clear disclosure of purpose, data use, and limitations. 

7. Support low-tech alternatives for teachers and students

To make meaningful opt-out policies possible, we request that the district provide planning time and professional support to help teachers offer low-tech alternatives during student choice time and for students whose families opt out of digital tools.

8. Block student access to all gaming, video-streaming, and social media on student devices, and prohibit recreational screen use during the school day

We request a clear prohibition on Chromebook or screen use before school as well as during lunch, recess, or unstructured downtime. In addition to YouTube, this should include access to games and gaming platforms such as Minecraft, Roblox, browser-based “unblocked games,” and similar recreational platforms, as well as social media and entertainment sites that distract from learning. Unstructured time at school is critical for socialization, movement, imagination, and emotional regulation. Sites like YouTube, Minecraft, and Roblox pose well-documented risks related to distraction, inappropriate content exposure, and addictive design, making them inappropriate for use during the school day. These restrictions should function at the device and network level. Teachers should not have to police students screen use in order to block access to gaming, video-streaming, social media, and entertainment sites.

9. Obtain parental consent for each data-collecting app or website

In alignment with updated FTC guidance under COPPA, parental consent must be required for each individual app or website that collects student data. This is separate from general district technology agreements and requires app-by-app informed consent. Parents should know what data is collected about their students and how that data is used and shared.

10. Prohibit individual screen time from being used as a reward, incentive, or behavioral reinforcement for students 

Schools should not reinforce the idea that more screen exposure is a prize, particularly when excessive screen use is already linked to attention challenges, reduced physical activity, and difficulty with self-regulation. Using screens as a behavioral incentive increases their perceived value and can contribute to unhealthy dependency and compulsive use. Positive reinforcement should instead focus on social connection, creative play, movement, leadership opportunities, and other developmentally healthy alternatives that support long-term well-being rather than digital dependence.

11. Provide weekly parent reports of student online activity

We request weekly reports that include time spent on school-issued devices during the school day as well as apps and websites accessed during school hours.

12. Increase community input and transparency

We request that the district conduct regular surveys on EdTech and screen use, host town hall meetings on technology decisions, and allow parent attendance and participation in Curriculum and/or Technology Committee meetings. Families deserve a voice in decisions that directly affect their children.

We submit these requests in the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. Our goal is to ensure that the use of technology in Bellingham Public Schools is intentional, transparent, age-appropriate, and aligned with students' best interest.  

Bellingham Public Schools Families