Petition for Intentional Technology Use in Henrico County Schools
A campaign from The Balance Project - Central Virginia Region
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Why This Matters
Our kids spend a big part of the school day on screens, and most districts don't have clear rules on how much is too much or how young is too young.
This petition asks our school board for eight specific changes, including no devices for the youngest students, screen-time limits by grade, YouTube and games blocked on school laptops, and a way for parents to see what their child is doing and opt out.
Henrico County worked through these same eight asks and adopted screen-time limits in August. The same eight asks are going to school boards across the state and to legislators in Virginia ahead of the January General Assembly session. Every name here asks for guidance at a district level, and also adds another voice supporting our kids in our state level advocacy efforts.
Signing takes a couple of minutes. If you can, come to a board meeting too. The more we speak out, the more the issue comes to the forefront. Meeting times and how to sign up to speak are below.
Your Henrico County school board
MEETINGS
Monthly meetings at 6:30 p.m., New Bridge Auditorium, 5915 Nine Mile Road.
SPEAK IN PERSON
Sign up here: https://henricoschools.community.diligentoneplatform.com/home/public/requesttospeak/0. The form opens the Friday before each monthly meeting and closes at 4:30 p.m. the day before. Three minutes per speaker.
SEND A WRITTEN COMMENT
Due by noon the day before the meeting. It goes into the meeting record: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxvmHJVdgSODkEO5eKtpdeMDuSsiAOR6Q6RE04saQ_LiLueQ/viewform
EMAIL THE WHOLE BOARD
schoolboard@henrico.k12.va.us
BOARD MEMBERS AND EMAILS
https://www.henricoschools.us/page/school-board
AGENDAS
https://henricoschools.community.diligentoneplatform.com/portal/
Dear Dr. Amy Cashwell and School Board Members,
We are writing to urge Henrico County Schools to take bold action on the growing crisis of excessive screen time in our schools.
Research from Common Sense Media found that teens spend an average of nearly nine hours per day using entertainment media outside of schoolwork, while tweens average about six hours. Rather than counterbalancing this trend, many districts have unintentionally compounded it through unchecked use of classroom devices, 1:1 device programs, and EdTech platforms with little accountability. The American Academy of Pediatrics has linked excessive screen time to vision problems, anxiety, depression, addictive behavior, reduced attention span, and lower academic achievement. This is not a future risk. It is happening to our children now.
We were encouraged to see Los Angeles Unified School District -- the second-largest school district in the nation -- pass a landmark resolution in early 2026 committing to a formal Screen Time Policy with specific, enforceable limits. LAUSD's leadership demonstrates that districts of any size can take meaningful action. We are asking Henrico County to follow their example.
Our Requests
We urge Henrico County to adopt a comprehensive screen time policy that includes the following:
1. Eliminate devices for the youngest students. Remove digital devices from early education through 2nd grade classrooms, except where required for mandated assessments. Children at this stage of development need hands-on, in-person learning experiences above all else.
2. Set specific, enforceable screen time limits by grade level. Establish clear daily and weekly maximums for student screen use on district devices, with less screen time for younger students. Screen time should be prioritized only when it provides educational value that cannot be replicated offline.
3. Reduce 1:1 device programs in elementary school. Transition to shared laptop carts and computer labs for grades 3-5. Research on 1:1 device programs in elementary school has produced mixed results, while concerns continue to grow about excessive cumulative screen exposure for young children.
4. Block non-educational platforms on district devices. Prohibit student access to YouTube, social media, and non-instructional gaming platforms like Roblox during the school day. Teachers may retain the ability to use appropriate video content for instruction, but unrestricted or unsupervised student access creates unnecessary distractions and risks.
5. Ban device use during unstructured time. Prohibit device use during passing periods, lunch, and recess for elementary and middle school students. These moments of unstructured time are critical for social development and should not be dominated by screens.
6. Provide parents with transparency and meaningful opt-out rights. Share weekly reports on children's screen activity on district devices. Allow families to opt out of specific EdTech programs -- not just blanket consent forms -- and ensure alternative learning methods are always available.
7. Encourage paper, physical textbooks, and off-screen homework. Many studies have found stronger comprehension and retention with print materials, and research from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has raised concerns about screen-based reading for young children and its association with weaker language and literacy outcomes. Policies should actively encourage analog alternatives, especially for homework at the elementary and middle school level.
8. Evaluate all EdTech contracts for educational value and student data privacy. Require independent review of EdTech products. Do not rely solely on vendor-supplied research. Ensure student data is protected and that contracts include accountability mechanisms.
A growing body of research and public concern points to the need for more intentional technology use in schools. LAUSD has shown it can be done. We respectfully urge Henrico County to act now to protect the health, development, and academic success of our children.
Sincerely,
The undersigned
Sincerely,
The undersigned
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1293 supporters have signed this campaign
Sign This Campaign
1293
Signatures
1293 of 1300 signatures
99% to goal
Every action matters
Recent supporters:
Parent signed
about 1 month ago
Parent signed
about 2 months ago
Parent signed
about 2 months ago
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Community Impact
Families across 324 schools are joining this movement
1293
Families Represented
69
Schools
PreK-12
Grade Range
| School | Grade | Count |
|---|---|---|
|
Jackson Davis Elementary
62 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade K | 11 | |
| Grade 1 | 10 | |
| Grade 2 | 9 | |
| Grade 3 | 13 | |
| Grade 4 | 7 | |
| Grade 5 | 7 | |
| Grade not listed | 4 | |
|
Tuckahoe Middle
105 total students
|
Grade 6 | 29 |
| Grade 7 | 34 | |
| Grade 8 | 23 | |
| Grade not listed | 19 | |
|
Glen Allen High
21 total students
|
Grade 9 | 4 |
| Grade 10 | 5 | |
| Grade 11 | 3 | |
| Grade 12 | 2 | |
| Grade not listed | 7 | |
|
Three Chopt Elementary
7 total students
|
Grade K | 2 |
| Grade 3 | 1 | |
| Grade 4 | 1 | |
| Grade 5 | 3 | |
|
Maybeury Elementary
91 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade K | 14 | |
| Grade 1 | 12 | |
| Grade 2 | 24 | |
| Grade 3 | 12 | |
| Grade 4 | 13 | |
| Grade 5 | 9 | |
| Grade not listed | 6 | |
|
Quioccasin Middle
26 total students
|
Grade 6 | 14 |
| Grade 7 | 2 | |
| Grade 8 | 6 | |
| Grade not listed | 4 | |
|
Douglas S. Freeman High
40 total students
|
Grade 9 | 11 |
| Grade 10 | 11 | |
| Grade 11 | 4 | |
| Grade 12 | 7 | |
| Grade not listed | 7 | |
|
Twin Hickory Elementary
15 total students
|
Grade K | 4 |
| Grade 1 | 3 | |
| Grade 2 | 3 | |
| Grade 3 | 4 | |
| Grade not listed | 1 | |
|
Pemberton Elementary
40 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade K | 10 | |
| Grade 1 | 3 | |
| Grade 2 | 6 | |
| Grade 3 | 4 | |
| Grade 4 | 5 | |
| Grade 5 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 10 | |
|
Tuckahoe Elementary
187 total students
|
Grade PreK | 2 |
| Grade K | 23 | |
| Grade 1 | 35 | |
| Grade 2 | 30 | |
| Grade 3 | 21 | |
| Grade 4 | 19 | |
| Grade 5 | 14 | |
| Grade not listed | 43 | |
|
Gayton Elementary
97 total students
|
Grade PreK | 2 |
| Grade K | 14 | |
| Grade 1 | 13 | |
| Grade 2 | 15 | |
| Grade 3 | 11 | |
| Grade 4 | 11 | |
| Grade 5 | 16 | |
| Grade not listed | 15 | |
|
Springfield Park Elementary
9 total students
|
Grade K | 3 |
| Grade 1 | 1 | |
| Grade 2 | 1 | |
| Grade 4 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
Pocahontas Middle
66 total students
|
Grade 6 | 21 |
| Grade 7 | 21 | |
| Grade 8 | 10 | |
| Grade not listed | 14 | |
|
Pinchbeck Elementary
41 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade K | 4 | |
| Grade 1 | 4 | |
| Grade 2 | 9 | |
| Grade 3 | 7 | |
| Grade 4 | 8 | |
| Grade 5 | 5 | |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
George H. Moody Middle
7 total students
|
Grade 6 | 4 |
| Grade 7 | 1 | |
| Grade 8 | 2 | |
|
Glen Allen Elementary
28 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade K | 7 | |
| Grade 1 | 4 | |
| Grade 2 | 3 | |
| Grade 3 | 2 | |
| Grade 4 | 4 | |
| Grade 5 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 6 | |
|
Mills E. Godwin High
36 total students
|
Grade 9 | 16 |
| Grade 10 | 7 | |
| Grade 11 | 7 | |
| Grade 12 | 3 | |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
Nuckols Farm Elementary
45 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade K | 14 | |
| Grade 1 | 4 | |
| Grade 2 | 3 | |
| Grade 3 | 6 | |
| Grade 4 | 4 | |
| Grade 5 | 2 | |
| Grade not listed | 11 | |
|
Short Pump Middle
24 total students
|
Grade K | 1 |
| Grade 6 | 6 | |
| Grade 7 | 11 | |
| Grade 8 | 3 | |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
Skipwith Elementary
8 total students
|
Grade K | 1 |
| Grade 3 | 1 | |
| Grade 4 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 5 | |
|
Shady Grove Elementary
27 total students
|
Grade K | 7 |
| Grade 1 | 4 | |
| Grade 2 | 6 | |
| Grade 3 | 3 | |
| Grade 4 | 2 | |
| Grade 5 | 2 | |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
Short Pump Elementary
28 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade K | 3 | |
| Grade 1 | 4 | |
| Grade 2 | 3 | |
| Grade 3 | 3 | |
| Grade 4 | 2 | |
| Grade 5 | 2 | |
| Grade 7 | 1 | |
| Grade 8 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 8 | |
|
Echo Lake Elementary
30 total students
|
Grade K | 2 |
| Grade 1 | 5 | |
| Grade 2 | 9 | |
| Grade 3 | 1 | |
| Grade 4 | 2 | |
| Grade 5 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 10 | |
|
Colonial Trail Elementary
2 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade 4 | 1 | |
|
Crestview Elementary
10 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade K | 2 | |
| Grade 1 | 2 | |
| Grade 2 | 1 | |
| Grade 3 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
Ridge Elementary
9 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade 1 | 1 | |
| Grade 3 | 1 | |
| Grade 4 | 2 | |
| Grade not listed | 4 | |
|
Collegiate School
3 total students
|
Grade 1 | 1 |
| Grade 3 | 1 | |
| Grade 5 | 1 | |
|
Ruby F. Carver Elementary
29 total students
|
Grade K | 12 |
| Grade 1 | 6 | |
| Grade 2 | 2 | |
| Grade 3 | 2 | |
| Grade 4 | 1 | |
| Grade 5 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 5 | |
|
Our Lady of Lourdes School
1 total student
|
Grade not listed | 1 |
|
Rivers Edge Elementary
10 total students
|
Grade 1 | 3 |
| Grade 2 | 1 | |
| Grade 3 | 1 | |
| Grade 4 | 1 | |
| Grade 5 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
Tussing Elementary
4 total students
|
Grade 2 | 1 |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
Hungary Creek Middle
16 total students
|
Grade 6 | 5 |
| Grade 7 | 2 | |
| Grade 8 | 4 | |
| Grade not listed | 5 | |
|
Lakeside Elementary
4 total students
|
Grade K | 1 |
| Grade 5 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 2 | |
|
Maude Trevvett Elementary
5 total students
|
Grade K | 1 |
| Grade 1 | 1 | |
| Grade 5 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 2 | |
|
Henrico High
1 total student
|
Grade 9 | 1 |
|
St. Catherine's School
1 total student
|
Grade 5 | 1 |
|
St. Christopher's School
1 total student
|
Grade 3 | 1 |
|
Hermitage High
4 total students
|
Grade 9 | 1 |
| Grade 10 | 3 | |
|
Robious Elementary
1 total student
|
Grade 5 | 1 |
|
John Randolph Tucker High
6 total students
|
Grade 9 | 2 |
| Grade 10 | 2 | |
| Grade 12 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 1 | |
|
Deep Run High
12 total students
|
Grade 9 | 5 |
| Grade 11 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 6 | |
|
David A. Kaechele Elementary School
12 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade 1 | 4 | |
| Grade 2 | 1 | |
| Grade 3 | 2 | |
| Grade 4 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
Highland Springs Elementary
1 total student
|
Grade 1 | 1 |
|
Albert Hill Middle
1 total student
|
Grade not listed | 1 |
|
Greenwood Elementary (Chesterfield)
2 total students
|
Grade 1 | 1 |
| Grade not listed | 1 | |
|
Greenwood Elementary (Henrico)
15 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade 1 | 2 | |
| Grade 2 | 2 | |
| Grade 3 | 4 | |
| Grade 4 | 2 | |
| Grade 5 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
L. Douglas Wilder Middle
9 total students
|
Grade 6 | 2 |
| Grade 7 | 2 | |
| Grade 8 | 5 | |
|
Holman Middle
7 total students
|
Grade 6 | 2 |
| Grade 7 | 1 | |
| Grade 8 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
Brookland Middle
3 total students
|
Grade 6 | 1 |
| Grade 8 | 2 | |
|
Dumbarton Elementary
3 total students
|
Grade 2 | 1 |
| Grade 4 | 1 | |
| Grade 5 | 1 | |
|
Fairfield Middle
4 total students
|
Grade 6 | 1 |
| Grade 8 | 3 | |
|
Pocahontas Elementary
2 total students
|
Grade 6 | 2 |
|
Anthony P. Mehfoud Elementary
2 total students
|
Grade K | 1 |
| Grade 1 | 1 | |
|
Montrose Elementary
2 total students
|
Grade not listed | 2 |
|
Midlothian Middle
1 total student
|
Grade not listed | 1 |
|
Varina High
2 total students
|
Grade not listed | 2 |
|
Elizabeth Holladay Elementary
9 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade K | 3 | |
| Grade 3 | 1 | |
| Grade 5 | 1 | |
| Grade not listed | 3 | |
|
Highland Springs High
1 total student
|
Grade not listed | 1 |
|
Chamberlayne Elementary
3 total students
|
Grade PreK | 1 |
| Grade 1 | 1 | |
| Grade 3 | 1 | |
|
Mary Munford Elementary
1 total student
|
Grade 3 | 1 |
|
Jacob L. Adams Elementary
1 total student
|
Grade not listed | 1 |
|
R.C. Longan Elementary
1 total student
|
Grade not listed | 1 |
|
Fair Oaks Elementary
1 total student
|
Grade not listed | 1 |
|
Henry D. Ward Elementary
2 total students
|
Grade 5 | 2 |
|
Longdale Elementary
1 total student
|
Grade not listed | 1 |
|
John Rolfe Middle
1 total student
|
Grade not listed | 1 |
|
Oak Knoll Middle
1 total student
|
Grade 7 | 1 |
|
Generating Recovery of Academic Direction
1 total student
|
Grade not listed | 1 |
|
Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies
1 total student
|
Grade 10 | 1 |
1293 supporters have signed this campaign