Almost every school hands out Chromebooks. You still have options.

Hi [Teacher name], Thank you for everything you do for [Child] this year. They come home talking about [something specific]. We keep screens pretty limited at home, and I wanted to ask whether a couple of small accommodations might be possible: 1. Paper copies of reading assignments when they're available. Research on comprehension tends to favor paper, especially for informational text. 2. Keeping the device at school rather than sending it home, unless there's an assignment that truly needs it. 3. A heads-up if there's anything [Child] is expected to do on the device at home, so we can plan for it. I completely understand if some of this isn't possible, and I'm happy to help however makes your life easier (printing at home, for example). Thank you! [Your name] [Phone / email]

Dear [Principal name], We're the parents of [Child] in [grade/teacher]. We're grateful for the school and the care the staff show every day. We're writing to ask about the school's approach to student devices, and whether some options are available for families who prefer less screen time: - Paper alternatives for reading and practice work where possible - Devices staying at school for K–5 students - YouTube, games and non-instructional sites blocked on student accounts - A list of the apps and platforms students use, and the data-privacy agreements for each There's growing support for this kind of balance. The OECD's PISA 2022 results found that device distraction in class was linked to lower math scores, while limited, purposeful use for learning was linked to higher scores. UNESCO's 2023 global report recommends using technology only where it clearly improves learning. We'd welcome a short conversation, and we're happy to help however we can. With thanks, [Your names] [Contact]

Dear [Superintendent / Board members], As parents in [District], we're writing in support of a balanced, evidence-based approach to classroom technology. We respectfully ask the district to consider: 1. A paper-first default for reading in the early grades, consistent with meta-analyses showing better comprehension on paper (Delgado et al., 2018; Clinton, 2019). 2. Devices remaining at school for elementary students. 3. A public list of approved apps and platforms, with their data-privacy agreements. 4. A clear process for families to request paper alternatives. 5. Support for a bell-to-bell phone-free school day. [PA families: SB 1014 passed the House on Oct 19, 2026 and awaits Senate concurrence.] We aren't asking the district to abandon technology. The OECD's PISA 2022 data suggest limited, purposeful use can help. We're asking for intentional use, with families as partners. Thank you for your service to our children. [Names, school, contact]