In the highly digital age we live in, technology is a big part of life and education. However, in Wilmette's District 39, the reliance on technology, specifically iPads, is becoming a growing concern for both educational attainment and for the safety of our kids online. 

We, Learning Unplugged D39, are advocating for a change in how tech is integrated into our school system. 

Growing evidence from multiple studies, educational psychologists and pediatricians suggest that children benefit more from direct interactions and hands-on learning rather than learning from a personal devices. 

Studies continue to show that prolonged access to screens cause physical changes in gray matter in brains of children.  These changes reduce children's ability to concentrate and retain information. Research also continues to show that excessive screen time can hinder developing skills such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to engage in meaningful social interactions. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends limited screen time for children to prevent negative impacts on their health and development.

It's imperative we strike a balance.

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Proposal:

Safety:
iPads must be configured so that only approved educational apps are accessible. Non-educational apps, including YouTube, ChatGPT, internet browser(s), should be blocked to prevent distractions and exposure to inappropriate content.

iPad as tool, not entertainment:
While accepting that iPads can be useful as tools to supplement traditional learning,  iPads should never be an option for free time, rewards, or mental breaks at any grade level within our schools.

Limits on tech integration into learning process:
For grades K-2, completely removing iPad access (except technology class where iPads stay) prioritizes foundational learning and development at such a crucial stage.

For grades 3-4, capping iPad usage to no more than 10% of class time allows technology to complement traditional teaching methods rather than overshadow them.

For grades 5-6, understanding the pivotal stage of development, limiting screen time to no more than 20% which helps maintain a balanced curriculum that includes both digital and traditional learning.

For grades 7-8, setting a boundary at no greater than 30% ensures tech integration remains beneficial and does not dominate the educational experience.
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These adjustments do not mean a regression from technology but rather a responsible integration that supports educational growth while considering students' holistic development.

Please join us in advocating for these necessary changes to provide our children with the best learning environment possible. Sign this petition to call upon the school board of Wilmette District 39 to implement these balanced guidelines for iPad usage, ensuring our children's education is enhanced by technology, not inhibited by it. 

If you would like to help with our initiative, please email us at:

LearningUnpluggedD39@gmail.com

Thank you!!

*If your child has an IEP/504 plan that requires the use of an iPad as an assistive device, the above time restriction would not go against what you already have in place.   

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Don’t think too much tech is an issue? Check out the studies below. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9933860/

https://www.oxjournal.org/how-does-technology-affect-the-attention-spans-of-different-age-groups/

https://www.thebrainworkshop.com/blog/the-impact-of-excessive-screen-time-on-childrens-brains/

https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/

https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/kids-screen-time-how-much-is-too-much/

https://www.businessinsider.com/how-screen-time-affects-childrens-brains-nih-study-2018-12

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Screens are not just affecting the way our children learn but are also affecting their eyesight. There’s a clear link between digital screen time and myopia (nearsightedness). Studies listed below support these findings. Even more than 1 hour of screens per day increases chance of myopia by 21%. 

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2830598

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39982728/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11186094/

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Jonathon Haidt interview re Gamified education is not the way to go  47 min in 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCcwFM78y9A

 

Screen time duration and timing: effects on obesity, physical activity, dry eyes, and learning ability in elementary school children

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33639912/

 

Screen time exposure and academic performance, anxiety, and behavioral problems among school children

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40352281/

 

School and non-school day screen time profiles and their differences in health and educational indicators in adolescents

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35856173/

Effects of screentime on the health and well-being of children and adolescents: a systematic review of reviews

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30606703/

 

Association Between Screen Media Use and Academic Performance Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31545344/

Screen use, sleep duration, daytime somnolence, and academic failure in school-aged adolescents

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36787301/

 

Working to protect students, parents, teachers, and schools from the exploitative practices of the EdTech industry

https://edtech.law/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKmoihleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4WGpUYVJ0OHN1WkM4ZW11AR5BoygOaSRspN4mfScP-SujE6vm9TU89lwidfE22_6gI4Z9cL-Hr3gOt4wO2Q_aem_ehvUzSWbMOlNn66mFo4bhw

How do Parents navigate our tech world?

https://www.civicsoftechnology.org/parents

 

OLD - Previous D39 CRC tech study from 2013 (maybe time for a new study!!)

  https://cdnsm5-ss9.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_360846/File/About%20D39/CRC/CRC_2012_2013.pdf

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With the use of AI on the rise, we need to get back to more pencil and paper 

https://www.wsj.com/business/chatgpt-ai-cheating-college-blue-books-5e3014a6

- - - - Think our district isn't affected? 
Think again….

https://patch.com/illinois/wilmette/some-wilmette-feeder-schools-make-gains-new-trier-sat-scores-fall

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/illinois/districts/new-trier-township-high-school-district-203/new-trier-township-high-school-winnetka-153386

We are behind the state of Virginia!

https://www.scarymommy.com/lifestyle/a-virginia-law-is-set-to-limit-kids-screen-time-to-hour-a-day

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Want to get more involved?

Email: LearningUnpluggedD39@gmail.com

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Thank You!!!!