As a concerned parent, I have witnessed firsthand the potential dangers of unrestricted access to screens and the internet for young children. My daughter's class was exposed to inappropriate information because they were able to search whatever they wanted unsupervised under the care of a substitute teacher. This incident is not isolated, but indicative of a larger issue within our school district - Oceanside Unified School District (OUSD).

Research consistently shows that excessive screen time can lead to health issues in children, including sleep disturbances, obesity, and behavioral problems (American Academy of Pediatrics). There is a direct link to mental health issues as children age as well. Furthermore, unrestricted internet access exposes our children to inappropriate content and potential online predators.

I propose that tablets should remain at school for grades K-2 in OUSD. I propose labtops be checked out when necessary for older grades. Additionally, these young students should not have access to YouTube or web browser search engines. Educational applications should be used in replacement. 

This petition is not just about protecting our children's mental and physical health; it's also about preserving their innocence and ensuring their safety. We need your support! Please sign this petition if you agree with us that it's time for OUSD to revise its policies regarding screen use and internet access for our youngest learners.