Schools Beyond Screens Katy was founded by Katy ISD parents, teachers, and community members. As Katy ISD is actively evaluating issues related to student technology use, we are advocating for student-centered, research-informed technology policies that support learning while prioritizing student digital safety and well-being. 

Across Texas and nationally, school districts, researchers, physicians, and parents are increasingly reevaluating unrestricted student technology use, online safety, excessive screen exposure, AI integration, and the academic impact of digital learning environments. We believe Katy ISD has an opportunity to lead proactively rather than reactively.

What we are asking for:

1. Grade-level screen limits
2. Elimination of individual device use in PK–2 classrooms
3. Elimination of routine 1:1 device use in grades 3–8, utilizing computer labs and carts when technology is educationally necessary
4. A district-level approved "safe list" of websites and applications rather than relying primarily on blocked-content systems
5. Restrictions on generative AI tools until independent safety and academic efficacy standards are established
6. Stronger standards for student data privacy and parental consent

We also believe the district should apply a consistent standard before introducing any app, AI tool, website, or digital platform to students.

Before Katy ISD expands the use of AI tools, apps, websites, or digital platforms, we believe every technology decision should be guided by four questions:

• Is it safe?
• Is there independent, conclusive evidence that it improves learning outcomes?
• Is it developmentally appropriate?
• Is it truly better than the non-digital alternative?

For more information, follow us on Instagram @schoolsbeyondscreenskaty or Facebook. If you’d like to receive email updates from our organization, please fill out this form.