Protect Learning: New Jersey Needs Age-Appropriate School Screen-Time Guidelines

Petition to Governor Mikie Sherrill, the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, and the New Jersey Legislature

New Jersey families are asking for a healthier, more balanced approach to technology in schools.

Technology can support learning when it is used intentionally, in limited ways, and for clear educational purposes. But many parents and educators are concerned that screens have become too common in everyday classroom instruction, especially for younger students.

Children already spend significant time on screens outside of school. In May 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued an advisory warning that excessive screen use among children and adolescents has become a public health concern, with potential impacts on sleep, school functioning, physical activity, mental health, relationships, and development.

School should be a place where children also build focus, handwriting, reading stamina, critical thinking, creativity, social connection, and real-world problem-solving.

We are not asking schools to remove technology. We are asking for clear, age-appropriate guidelines so that technology supports learning instead of replacing proven methods such as books, paper, handwriting, discussion, hands-on work, outdoor learning, and teacher-led instruction.

Families also deserve transparency. Parents should know how much time students spend on screens during the school day, which digital platforms are being used, what data is collected, and whether screen-based tools are improving learning outcomes.

We call on New Jersey leaders to:

·      Establish clear, developmentally appropriate limits and guidelines for classroom screen use, especially in elementary and middle school.

·      Require transparency around school screen time, digital platforms, EdTech spending, student data, and learning outcomes.

·      Protect paper-based learning, handwriting, physical books, teacher-led instruction, discussion, movement, play, and hands-on learning.

·      Ensure that technology supports teachers instead of replacing or diminishing their role.

·      Give families meaningful information and a voice in decisions about classroom technology use.

·      Protect student well-being, including attention, mental health, sleep, physical health, and development.

·      Ensure school digital media is ad-free and free from manipulative design, unnecessary gamification, and engagement features that encourage excessive use.

New Jersey has already taken steps to address student phone use in schools. Now it is time to look carefully at instructional screen time as well.

Our children get one childhood and one education. A strong education system is not defined by how much technology it uses, but by how well it supports students, teachers, health, curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and authentic learning.

The strongest classrooms are built around teachers, students, books, paper, discussion, and real-world learning — with technology used when it truly adds value.

Please sign this petition to support a  healthier and more accountable approach to classroom technology in New Jersey.

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