An Open Letter to the Alexandria City School Board on Reducing Screen Time

Dear Chair Harris, Members of the School Board, Acting Superintendent Dr. Taylor and Incoming Superintendent Dr. Bryantt:

We, the undersigned parents, educators and community members of Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), call on ACPS to fundamentally reevaluate and reform the role of personal devices, screen time and educational technology (ed tech) in our classrooms.

Welcoming a new superintendent presents a critical opportunity to reassess technology’s role and drive stronger educational outcomes. While ACPS took an important step by restricting smartphones, this policy leaves daily reliance on devices, ed tech and screen time unaddressed from pre-K through 12.

In Kindergarten, five- and six-year-olds encounter screens throughout the school day, from YouTube videos replacing physical books to screen time in physical education, art and music class.

ACPS is falling behind neighboring districts, including Fairfax County, Arlington and D.C. Public Schools, as well as a growing national movement rethinking classroom technology.

We therefore ask ACPS to adopt and implement the following policies that support student learning and limit screen use:

1. Adopt age-appropriate Screen Time and Tech Limits: Establish and enforce grade-specific limits on screen time and device use. This includes eliminating device use for pre-K through second grade, with exceptions for accessibility, individualized educational needs or extenuating circumstances. Phase out one-to-one devices in favor of computer labs or carts, while ensuring equitable access to devices.
 
2. Transition to evidence-based, accountable tech use: Eliminate learning apps and ed tech lacking peer-reviewed evidence of effectiveness. Provide regular reports to families on student device time and usage. Establish a districtwide right for students and families to opt out of technology use.

3. Enforce meaningful technology safeguards: Block student access to gaming, video streaming and social media platforms on all ACPS student devices by default. Prohibit student-facing generative AI in pre-K through eighth grade, with age-appropriate AI literacy instruction and safeguards for high school students.

Policies recently adopted by Los Angeles and New York City Public Schools should serve as a model for ACPS. Our recommendations reflect these district models and the core principles of Schools Beyond Screens - Alexandria (ACPS).

We are committed to working with teachers and leaders to restore balance and protect our children’s ability to focus, learn deeply and thrive.