Technology is now woven into nearly every classroom across the country. From iPads in kindergarten to online textbooks and standardized tests in high school, EdTech tools promise innovation and engagement, but they also introduce risks.
For Christian parents committed to raising children with intentional screen use, it is critical to understand how, when, and why technology is being used at school.
The goal isn’t to challenge every policy but to seek transparency so you can make informed decisions.
These questions will help you open conversations with your child’s teachers, administrators, or school board to ensure technology aligns with your family’s values and your child’s development.
All Schools, All Grades:
□ How often will students use a school provided screen (iPad, laptop) in the classroom?
□ What is the policy for students accessing their personal devices in the classroom?
□ Will the student be required to read a book from a screen?
□ How often will students watch movies (educational/entertainment)?
□ Will parents be informed if/when non-education movies are shown?
□ What is the model for teaching digital literacy/citizenship?
□ What type of internet filtering/monitoring is in place?
Elementary School
□ Is it a requirement to use school-issued devices for assignments?
□ How are school-issued devices monitored?
□ If outside recess is restricted due to weather, how will children spend recess time?
□ Do children have access to their phones immediately before or after school? At lunch?
□ Are smart watches allowed? What precautions are taken so they are not a distraction?
□ For what purposes will students use the internet? Will they ever have access unsupervised?
□ What happens if a child plays games when they should be engaged with coursework? What is the discipline structure for violating such terms of use?
□ What online educational games will students have access to or be required to use?
Middle School & High School
□ What is the school policy regarding smartphone use in the classroom? Halls? Cafeteria?
□ What is the disciplinary model for phone-related offenses?
□ Under what circumstances will the school confiscate a student’s phone?
□ Is there a policy for taking pictures or videos inside the school?
□ How are school-issued devices monitored?
□ Are students required to turn in assignments online (via Google Classroom or similar), or can they turn in traditional paper copies?
□ Will students be expected to access apps or specific websites from a personal device throughout the class?
□ If a student does not have a smartphone or their smartphone has parent-limited access, what alternatives exist for internet/app-required assignments?
□ Are students allowed to use headphones/air pods in class?
Educational technology tools are not inherently bad or avoidable at this point. However, because of the persuasive design technology programmed into smart devices and apps, entertainment and passive consumption overtake learning.
Parents and schools must work together with transparency and wisdom so that students can thrive academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
DOWNLOAD THIS CONTENT AS A ONE-SHEET REFERENCE GUIDE HERE.
