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

May 18, 2026 - 04:37

A growing number of parents are urging school administrators to reduce the use of technology in classrooms, arguing that tablets and laptops are harming their children's ability to focus and learn. These families want a return to traditional methods like pencils, paper, and printed textbooks. However, many school districts are resisting the pressure, citing the need to prepare students for a digital world and the high cost of reversing course on expensive tech investments.

The debate has intensified in recent years as research on the negative effects of excessive screen time continues to emerge. Parents cite concerns over shortened attention spans, increased anxiety, and a decline in handwriting skills. Some have formed local advocacy groups, attending school board meetings and circulating petitions demanding a rollback of one-to-one device programs. They argue that elementary students, in particular, do not need a laptop for basic math and reading.

District leaders, however, offer a different perspective. They point out that technology is embedded in modern careers and that students must be digitally literate to compete. Administrators also note that many schools have already spent millions of dollars on devices, software, and training. Removing them now would waste taxpayer money and disrupt established curricula. Some educators worry that a complete ban on screens would put their students at a disadvantage compared to peers in more tech-forward districts.

The conflict leaves many schools searching for a middle ground. Some are experimenting with limited screen time, such as banning phones during class but keeping laptops for specific projects. Others are introducing more outdoor and hands-on activities to balance digital learning. For now, the fight over the role of technology in education shows no signs of cooling down.