Screen time at home can be such a battle for families. However, an added complexity to the issue is that parents also need to worry about screen time at school.
Recently, the Beaverton School District had a presentation on “How to Monitor Your Child’s Chromebook Use.” During the meeting, it was clear that parents in the district have become increasingly concerned about what students are doing on their school-issued Chromebooks both at school and at home. Reports mention students watching YouTube and YouTube Shorts, which are similar to TikTok videos, shopping online, playing games, and even using explicit AI chatbots on these devices, despite the district implementing new “restrictions.”
Some parents say students have created inappropriate AI images or looked up ways to hide eating disorders. Many families describe it as a constant struggle where teachers try to control browser tabs while competing with apps designed to grab and keep students’ attention.
A new petition from the BSD Safe Technology Coalition stresses that this effort isn’t against technology but supports learning and child development. Supporters recognize recent improvements, such as stricter phone rules, but say bigger changes are necessary. They argue that even with filters, blocking websites isn’t enough because the internet is so vast. Although federal law under the Children’s Internet Protection Act(CIPA) and school policies require safe online access, parents feel these rules aren’t being fully enforced.
The coalition suggests moving from broad filters to an “only-allow” list during school hours, so that students can visit only approved educational sites. Some classrooms already use this approach with district tools, and advocates want it to be district-wide.
They also recommend more teacher-led lessons in early grades and clear screen-time limits for K–3 students, following advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Other ideas include cutting back on tech-heavy classes in elementary school, focusing more on hands-on learning and social time, and switching middle schools from individual devices to shared classroom Chromebooks.
Generative AI tools are also a major concern. Parents want the district to block all AI platforms except those approved for teaching and to require parents to opt in or out of any AI use at any grade. They suggest limiting AI access to high schoolers who have completed an AI literacy course. Their worries include exposure to inappropriate content, deepfakes, explicit images, and cheating. A recent Brookings Institution study found that without strong protections, the risks of generative AI in kids’ education might outweigh the benefits.
Advocates often point to research showing that more screen time is linked to attention problems and that watching short videos can hurt self-control and mental health. Groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics and NAEYC regularly recommend using technology carefully, in limited amounts, and in ways that fit children’s development, especially for young kids.
Parents are also calling for more transparency and involvement. They want weekly reports showing screen time and website use, clearer consent forms for each educational tech platform, public details on ed-tech spending, regular surveys, and a Technology Advisory Committee that includes community members. Advocates say families have been raising these concerns for over a year and want real chances to give input before policies are set.
This effort is part of a larger statewide movement led by groups like OR Unplugged, which aims to create distraction-free childhoods and safer digital spaces. The group works with national campaigns focused on cutting digital harm and improving school technology policies. OR Unplugged is hosting a screening of ‘Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media,’ on Sunday, March 15th at 2:30 PM in SW Portland, with a panel discussion with experts to follow.
At its core, this debate isn’t about getting rid of technology but about finding balance. Supporters believe devices should support teaching, not take over, and that algorithms shouldn’t compete with teachers. They want play, friendships, and hands-on learning to stay central to childhood education. The petition shows a growing call from families to rethink how technology is used in Beaverton schools, putting student focus, mental health, and real learning first.
Johanna is married with two kids, three dogs, three cats, one leopard gecko, several chickens, and a few fish. She has been in the Pacific Northwest since the dream was alive in the 90s but has Southern roots and hails from Arkansas. The family spends a lot of time at some sort of sporting event for the kids. Johanna likes to fast craft, garden, host parties, and bake. Johanna and her crew go hard traveling, DIY-ing, and are always up for a new adventure or challenge.
