As a concerned parent of a child attending a Burlingame school, I am deeply troubled by the unchecked and sometimes inappropriate use of technology in our children's classrooms. Our children’s education, privacy, and wellbeing hang in the balance as current policies fail to ensure safe and beneficial tech use that is grounded in peer-reviewed, scientific research. It's time we demand an evidence-based approach that prioritizes our children's needs.

Studies have shown that excessive screen time can lead to negative effects on children's attention spans, mental health, and academic performance (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021). Yet, many schools, including those in our district, have implemented digital platforms and tools without fully considering these ramifications. Recent news across various school districts points to similar challenges — technology promising learning gains often results in data privacy issues (Washington Post, 2022). We cannot let our district fall into this category.

Our district can lead by example by taking a clear, deliberate stance informed by robust research. What we need is a comprehensive review led by education experts and scientists with no ties to technology vendors, ensuring recommendations that are unbiased and solely in the interest of our students.

We propose either:

A. That the Burlingame School District establishes a committee composed of educators, child psychologists, researchers, and parents to reevaluate existing technology policies. This includes assessing the educational value, data security measures, and impact on student health, aligning with guidelines from reputable bodies like the American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization. Only with a clear, scientifically-backed technology use policy can we be assured of a balanced educational experience that respects our children's developmental needs.

B. A clear set of policies including:

1. No devices for younger elementary students.
At that age, children should be focusing much more on social interaction, hands-on learning, communication, reading, writing, and developing relationships with teachers and classmates rather than device-based learning.

2. Parent visibility and monitoring for older students.
For older students, where technological literacy is important, parents should have a way to see how school-issued devices are being used — what apps/websites are being accessed, how much time is being spent on them, and ideally some form of usage reporting or notification.

3. Measure whether devices are actually improving education.
If we are introducing more technology into classrooms, we should be measuring the results. Are reading, writing, math, classroom participation, or other learning outcomes improving? What were the results before the devices were introduced, and what changed afterward?

4. Transparency around cost and priorities.
Every dollar spent on devices is a dollar that cannot be spent elsewhere — on teachers, books, notebooks, classroom materials, or other educational resources. Parents should have transparency into how much is being spent on technology and whether this is actually the best use of those funds.

Now is the time to act. Join me in urging the Burlingame School District Board to revise their technology policies and make decisions that truly benefit our children’s education and wellbeing. Our children deserve nothing less. Sign this petition and help us advocate for a brighter, safer future for all students in Burlingame.