Dear Parents, Carers and Members of the Brightwater State School Community,

We love our school and value the dedication of our teachers and staff. However, many parents are increasingly concerned about the amount of time our primary school children are spending using screens throughout the school day.

We recognise that technology has an important and valuable role in modern education. Our concern is not about removing technology from our children's education, but about ensuring that its use is balanced, purposeful and developmentally appropriate, particularly for younger primary school students.

Why are we concerned?
The proposed expansion of the 1:1 Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program at Brightwater State School to younger year levels has raised significant concerns among many parents and community members.

Primary school children are still developing foundational skills such as handwriting, fine motor skills, sustained attention, communication, collaboration, problem-solving and the ability to learn through hands-on experiences. These skills are developed through a wide variety of learning experiences, including writing by hand, reading physical books, practical activities, creative play, discussion, group work and face-to-face interaction.

There are also practical concerns associated with increased classroom screen use, including digital distraction, prolonged sitting, eye strain, posture and the potential reduction in opportunities for hands-on and social learning.

We understand that digital literacy is an important part of preparing children for the future. However, we believe there is a significant difference between teaching children how to use technology effectively and making an individual device a routine part of their everyday learning from an increasingly young age.

Our position
We  believe that for students in the early years of primary school, traditional learning methods should remain the primary mode of instruction, with technology introduced in a structured and age-appropriate way.

We are asking Brightwater State School to reconsider the proposed expansion of mandatory 1:1 devices and to work collaboratively with parents and the wider school community to establish clear boundaries around classroom screen use.

We respectfully request that Brightwater State School:

1. Stop the proposed expansion of mandatory 1:1 devices into Years 2–4. Maintain the current approach to technology rather than expanding individual device requirements to younger students without further consultation and consideration of the concerns raised by parents.

2. Keep technology use in Prep–Year 2 limited, purposeful and structured. Where technology is used, we ask that it be for specific educational purposes rather than as a routine replacement for traditional learning activities.

3. Establish clear guidelines around classroom screen time. We ask the school to provide greater transparency around how frequently students are useing devices, for how long, and for what educational purposes.

4. Provide evidence that 1:1 iPads actually improve learning in Year 2-4. What specific learning outcomes will the iPad improve?  What can children do on an individual iPad that they cannot achieve through existing classroom technology?  What evidence/research has the school relied upon in deciding that Year 2-4 is the appropriate age?

5. Consult meaningfully with parents and the wider school community before expanding the program. Parents should have an opportunity to understand the educational rationale, expected screen use, research informing the decision, and the measures in place to protect children's physical, social and educational wellbeing.

6. If 1:1 devices are retained for older students, ensure their use remains purposeful and balanced. Technology should be one tool within a diverse learning environment not the default method of completing everyday classroom tasks.

Our goal is not to reject technology.

We want our children to leave primary school confident and capable in both the digital world and the real world.

We want them to be able to write by hand, concentrate without a screen, read deeply, communicate face-to-face, solve problems, create, collaborate, explore and learn through practical experiencee as well as develop the digital skills they will need for the future.

We believe our children deserve an education that supports the whole child, and that technology should be introduced thoughtfully, intentionally and at an age-appropriate level.

By signing this petition, we are asking Brightwater State School to listen to the concerns of its parent community and reconsider the proposed expansion of the 1:1 BYOD program.

Together, we can advocate for a balanced approach that embraces the benefits of technology without allowing it to displace the foundational experiences our young children need to thrive.