In Los Angeles, anxious parents are voicing concerns over school-issued iPads and Chromebooks, citing disruptions to their children’s learning. This growing discontent comes as many students struggle with academic performance, attributed to excessive screen time in classrooms.
Parents Demand Changes to Screen Time Policies
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the second-largest in the United States, has seen a wave of parental backlash against its mandatory device program. Many parents argue that school-issued tablets are detrimental to their children’s education rather than beneficial.
Negative Impacts on Students
Lila Byock, a concerned mother, reported that her son, formerly a good math student, began receiving D’s and F’s after starting sixth grade. His teachers noted he understood the material but struggled to focus due to distractions from his iPad.
Byock’s efforts led to the formation of a parent coalition called Schools Beyond Screens. This group aims to reduce the mandated screen time in schools, recognizing a broader national concern regarding digital learning tools.
Statistics Highlighting the Issue
- 88% of schools in the U.S. provide students with personal devices.
- Los Angeles Unified serves over 409,000 students across 800 schools.
- Students are reportedly spending less than two hours a day on screens, according to district tracking.
Responses from the School District
District officials assert that they provide teachers with flexibility regarding technology use in classrooms. They emphasize the importance of equipping students for a digital-first world. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho acknowledged the issue of “digital tool addiction” but placed much of the responsibility on parental oversight.
Additionally, educators express concerns about how screen time impacts learning. Reports have emerged regarding students’ behavioral problems, with some children experiencing physical distress during iPad usage, such as accidents in class. Teachers like Armaghan Khan have witnessed students circumventing device monitoring to access non-educational content.
Calls for Reevaluation of Technology Use
Several parents have raised alarm over how ubiquitous screen time has become in school. A recent meeting featuring nearly 300 parents showed nearly all participants criticizing excessive use of iPads and Chromebooks.
Unique Challenges Introduced by Software
i-Ready, a widely used educational tool in California, has raised further concerns among parents and educators. While it aims to support learning, many believe it encroaches on valuable teaching time and creates dependencies on technology.
Karla Estrada, the district’s deputy superintendent for instruction, stated that technology should augment, not replace, traditional teaching methods. Parents desire a balanced approach that prioritizes direct engagement between teachers and students.
Looking Ahead: Future Initiatives
District officials plan to form a committee to gather parental feedback regarding the use of technology in schools. Many parents, including Byock, are eager to see substantial changes implemented to improve their children’s educational experiences.
Until changes occur, Byock has opted her son out of mandatory i-Ready sessions, allowing him to engage in one-on-one learning with his English teacher. Many parents continue to advocate for their children, hoping for a healthier balance between technology and traditional education.
