Some parents don’t want their kids to use tech at school. But districts are pushing back

In Ardmore, Pennsylvania, high school senior Aliyah Pack struggles with concentration due to her ADHD and the prevalent use of digital devices in her school. Starting from kindergarten, students in her district use iPads, Chromebooks, and eventually MacBooks. Aliyah’s mother noticed her declining grades and requested the school to remove her laptop, but the school refused. This situation reflects a broader concern among parents nationwide about excessive screen time in schools. In Lower Merion Township, over 600 residents have petitioned to allow parents to opt their children out of using digital devices during school hours. However, the school district argues that technology is integral to the curriculum. At a recent school board meeting, parents expressed their desire for a balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of learning to use technology responsibly without letting it dominate education. The debate highlights the challenge of integrating technology in a way that supports learning without overwhelming students. QUESTION: How might the reliance on digital devices in education impact students’ ability to focus and learn effectively in the long term?