MINNESOTA SAFE SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY USE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Education is committed to ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education that promotes academic excellence, critical thinking, and long-term retention of knowledge; and 

WHEREAS, research consistently shows that handwriting and reading from paper materials enhance comprehension, memory retention, and cognitive engagement compared to reading or writing on digital screens; and 

WHEREAS, pen-and-paper instruction encourages focus, minimizes distractions often associated with electronic devices, and fosters the development of fine motor skills and personal responsibility in note-taking and organization; and

WHEREAS, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states that on average, children ages 8-18 in the United States spend 7 1/2 hours a day watching or using screens; and

WHEREAS, excessive screen use has been linked to increased eye strain, reduced attention spans, sleep disturbances, and negative effects on mental health, particularly in children and adolescents; and

WHEREAS, assigning online homework widens inequities due to uneven internet access and monitoring abilities at home; and

WHEREAS, the Office of the Surgeon General recommends that schools actively limit technology use by implementing "bell-to-bell" cellphone restrictions, assigning physical book and paper work whenever possible, and keeping individually assigned digital devices in computer labs rather than personal 1-to-1 take-home programs; and

WHEREAS, recent large-scale observational research and surveys reported in The Lancet and its affiliated journals have raised concerns about associations between higher screen exposure in childhood and adverse outcomes related to attention, emotional regulation, mental health, and physical well-being, reinforcing calls for precautionary limits in educational settings; and 

WHEREAS, the guidance cited herein is particularly urgent for children and adolescents, for whom screen exposure most significantly displaces foundational activities such as play, movement, peer interaction, and self-regulation, and for whom the long-term consequences of early and excessive screen exposure are of greatest concern; and therefore the School Board has determined that a precautionary pause is urgently warranted for all students; and

WHEREAS, research indicates that children 8 to 11 years old who exceed screen time recommendations are at higher risk for obesity and depressive symptoms and have scored lower on cognitive assessments; and

WHEREAS, to combat the negative effects of excessive screen time during the school day, some schools and districts have implemented low-to-no screen initiatives; and

WHEREAS, a 2026 Stanford report states that research on how artificial intelligence impacts K-12 educators and students is still extremely limited, a 2026 Brookings comprehensive research study concluded, “[a]t this point in its trajectory, the risks of utilizing generative AI in children’s education overshadow its benefits,” existing research indicates that use of artificial intelligence could have detrimental effects on student learning due to “cognitive surrender,” and use of artificial intelligence has been shown to erode trust between teacher and student; and

WHEREAS, the Board recognizes that technology has a role in modern education, including for remote learning days and digital curriculum components that are delivered exclusively through online platforms, its use must be balanced with proven traditional methods to best support student achievement and well-being;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board affirms its support for pen-and paper instruction as the primary mode of learning in classrooms, particularly for note-taking, reading comprehension, writing, math lessons, and assessments; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Minnesota school districts will prioritize investments in physical learning materials, including printed textbooks, notebooks, and writing supplies, and will provide professional development to educators on maximizing the effectiveness of traditional instruction methods; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board encourages the responsible and limited use of digital devices, reserving screen time for activities where technology offers clear, independent evidence-based instructional advantages; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that parents have the right to refuse a digital and online education and may opt their child out of such education, and in place receive an education which facilitates handwritten note-taking, paper assignments, and reading from physical texts; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Minnesota school districts shall provide age-appropriate media literacy instruction, including critical artificial intelligence literacy instruction, using an independent research-informed curriculum that has no funding or relationship with any online and digital product industry or their partners. Examples of approved curriculum that would meet the criteria are:  www.kidsbrainsandscreens.com; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: Homework shall not require access to the internet, digital or online technology/products; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That student-facing screen use shall be limited as follows: 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that there shall be a three year moratorium on the use of generative and conversational AI in student-facing technology for grades pre-k to 12, after which the use of  such technology shall only be allowed with proof of safety, efficacy and compliance with state and federal laws; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That student-facing applications shall not include the following design features: 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Minnesota school districts will conduct a comprehensive audit of student screen time and digital tool use, and prepare and deliver to the Board, no later than January 1, 2027 a report that:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Minnesota school districts shall have all student-facing technology audited by an independent third party for safety, efficacy and compliance with state and federal privacy laws; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Minnesota school districts shall establish a dedicated feedback channel, such as an email address or online form, through which families and staff may submit concerns and suggestions regarding compliance with this resolution to the district leadership.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the Minnesota Department of Education on this ____the day of Month _____ (year). 

Model Safe School Technology Bill: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WizVyVv3yb7eZsk8NiPVkCpaZ06psGxyLeR7ybxf9No/edit?tab=t.0

Safe School Tech Briefing Document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14gTDcrrWDvWZcxntKoysb_geb_EYUag8LUntEvH7CbQ/edit?usp=sharing'

Sources: Balanced Instruction Through Reduced Screen Use - Burke County Public Schools - NC, Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project: https://www.burke.k12.nc.us/board-of-education/balanced-instruction-through-reduced-screen-use