Petition for Intentional Technology Use in Omaha Public Schools

EN ESPAÑOL

Dear Superintendent Ray and members of the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education,

We are writing to urge Omaha Public Schools to take bold action on the growing crisis of excessive screen time in our schools.

Children in America already spend an average of nine hours per day on screens outside of school. 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 Omaha Public Schools to follow their example.

We urge Omaha Public Schools to adopt a comprehensive educational technology policy that includes the following:

1.  Eliminate 1:1 device use for Kindergarten through 8th grade.  Children need hands-on, in-person learning experiences above all else.  Permanent 1:1 device assignment for young children contributes to excessive cumulative screen exposure. 

2.  Create clear pathways for families who wish to opt out of device-based instruction, without penalty or reprisal, providing low-tech alternatives.  Allow families to opt out of specific EdTech programs -- not just blanket consent forms -- and ensure alternative learning methods are always available.

3.  Block student access to YouTube, as well as all gaming, video-streaming and social media on student devices.

4.  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.

5.  Prohibit screen time from being used during free time or as a reward, incentive, or behavioral reinforcement for students. These unstructured times are critical for social development and should not be dominated by screens. 

6.  Encourage paper, physical textbooks, and off-screen homework. Research consistently shows better comprehension and retention with print materials. Policies should actively encourage analog alternatives, especially for homework at the elementary and middle school level.

7. 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.

As parents in Omaha Public Schools, we have seen firsthand how screens affect our children's ability to focus, connect with their peers, and engage in meaningful learning. 

The research is clear and the movement is growing globally. We want screens out of the classroom.  We respectfully urge Omaha Public Schools to act now to protect the health, development, and academic success of our children.  

Sincerely, 
Omaha Public Schools community