Petition for Intentional Technology Use in PAUSD Schools

Dear Shounak Dharap, Rowena Chiu, Alison Kamhi, Shana Segal and Josh Salcman,

We are writing to urge PAUSD to take bold action on the growing crisis of excessive screen time in our schools. We recognize that technology can play a role in education. However, current levels of screen exposure are developmentally inappropriate, insufficiently transparent, and often inconsistent with best practices in child development, learning science, and data privacy.

We were encouraged to see Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) — 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 PAUSD to follow their example, proving that intentional engagement with technology is possible even in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Therefore, we respectfully request that the Palo Alto Unified School District's Board of Education consider our proposals listed below.

We urge PAUSD to adopt a comprehensive screen time policy that includes the following:

1) Review, adopt and build on LAUSD’s screen-time policies

LAUSD’s "Using Technology with Intention" Resolution was passed unanimously on April 21, 2026.

Key elements of the LAUSD resolution include:
• Prohibiting the use of student digital devices in TK, Kindergarten, and 1st grade
• Establishing maximum daily and weekly screen time limits for grades 2–12
• Defaulting to no 1:1 take-home devices for all grades (with exceptions for assessments and IEP mandates)
• Blocking social media sites, YouTube and other video streaming platforms on student devices
• Banning the use of digital devices during lunch, recess, and passing periods for all grade levels
• Returning to computer labs or computer carts in place of 1:1 devices for grades 2-5 (note: we applaud PAUSD for already going beyond this and shifting to a cart model for our middle schoolers, which is an important step in the right direction)

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.

3) Assign homework on paper-and-pencil only for TK–8

To preserve healthy boundaries between school and home and to reduce unnecessary screen exposure, we request that all homework for TK–8 students be on paper and pencil only so that school-issued devices remain at school.

4) Disable 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. Generative AI tools should be disabled until this technology has been proven safe, legal, and effective in practice as a learning tool.

5) Guarantee a meaningful opt-out from EdTech

Families should have the right to opt out of educational technology without penalty to their child. The type, purpose, and data use of all devices and ed tech should be clearly disclosed, and families should be provided with a written pathway for opting out.

6) Block access to all non-educational content on student devices

We request a clear and enforced prohibition on recreational use of Chromebooks and other school-issued devices before school, as well as during lunch, recess, and unstructured downtime. Platforms such as YouTube, Minecraft, and Roblox contain design features intended to keep users hooked, taking away from opportunities for socialization, movement, imagination, and emotional regulation.

To make that prohibition meaningful, the district should take effective measures to prevent students from bypassing filters to access games, video-streaming platforms, social media, or other entertainment content on school-issued devices. This should include addressing browser-based “unblocked games,” proxy sites, alternate URLs, and other commonly used workarounds, rather than relying solely on formal blocklists and monitoring software.

7) Prohibit 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.

8) Require any apps used for instruction or on school-issued devices be ad-free

We request that all apps, websites, and digital platforms used for instruction or installed on school-issued devices be completely free of advertising, sponsored content, product placement, or commercial prompts. Students should not be exposed to marketing messages while learning. Advertising in educational spaces blurs the line between learning and consumer targeting, creates unnecessary distractions, and raises serious concerns about student privacy and data tracking. School-issued devices should be tools for education, not channels for commercial influence. If a platform cannot function without ads or data-driven marketing practices, it should not be used in our schools.

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

In alignment with updated FTC guidance under COPPA, we request parental consent 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.

10) Evaluate all EdTech contracts for educational value and student data privacy.

We request that EdTech products meet independent standards for efficacy. An independent review of EdTech products must prove that any benefits outweigh potential risks. Do NOT rely solely on vendor-supplied research. Furthermore, ensure that student data is protected and that contracts include accountability mechanisms.

As parents in Palo Alto, we have already seen how screens affect our children's ability to focus, connect with their peers and teachers, and engage in meaningful learning.

No third grader should be spending more time with a Chromebook than a real book. We can try to protect them from excessive screen time at home, but we need the district's support to reduce unnecessary device dependence at school.

We respectfully urge the Board to act now to protect the brain health, development, and academic success of our children.

To learn more, please consider joining our WhatsApp: Schools Beyond Screens, PAUSD Chapter.

Sincerely,
The undersigned