#getphonesoutofschools
Dear Superintendent | Letter Template
Select the text below to copy & paste this letter into your own document or email correspondence:
Dear Superintendent [NAME],
I am writing to express deep concern regarding the overreliance of screen-based learning in our schools.
Excessive screen time has been associated with many maladies, including anxiety and depression, executive function disorders, eye disorders, and screen addiction.1,2 While screens in schools are not the only source of these problems, our schools share a responsibility in making sure they do not exacerbate such issues.
There are several steps that I suggest [DISTRICT NAME] take immediate action on to decrease dangers posed by excessive use of screens by children:
- Follow the World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines regarding media time based upon age and developmentally appropriate needs for both in-school instruction and computer-based homework. 3,4
- Allow children to opt out of computer-based activities, if requested by a parent or recommended by a child’s ophthalmologist, pediatrician, or mental health professional.
- Require teachers to always provide students and families assignment modifications that do not require the use of a screen.
- Train teachers, coaches, and administrators to encourage real-life communication amongst students instead of relying on social media platforms.
- Follow all device manufacturer’s guidelines for the safe use of digital devices, including all ergonomic and eye protection measures.
Additionally, an online learning environment makes it next to impossible to protect student personal data. Recent news has highlighted the issue of student privacy, including Congressional hearings, involving Facebook, Twitter, and Google.5 Please make student data protection one of your foremost priorities.
As the Superintendent of [DISTRICT NAME], I trust that you are with me in addressing and implementing preventative measures.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
(Name), (Email), (phone)
- Tawonkasiwattanakun, P., Tonkerdmongkol, D., & Poyomtip, T. (2021). To save our eyes, urgent public health policies are required after the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health, S0033-3506 (21)00087-1. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2021.02.028 Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7931732/
- Twenge, J.M. (2017). IGen: Why today’s super-connected kids are growing up less rebellious, more tolerant, less happy, and completely unprepared for adulthood. New York: NY Atria. http://www.jeantwenge.com/igen-book-by-dr-jean-twenge/
- World Health Organization. (2020). Mental health and substance abuse: Excessive screen use and gaming considerations during #COVID19. Retrieved from http://www.emro.who.int/mnh/news/considerations-for-young-people-on-excessive-screen-use-during-covid19.html
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media use in school-aged children and adolescents. Journal of American academy of pediatrics.138 (5) e20162592. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2592 Retrieved from https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/138/5/e20162592
- Fung, B. (2021, March 25). Facebook, Twitter and Google CEOs grilled by Congress on misinformation. www.cnn.com/2021/03/25/tech/tech-ceos-hearing/index.html