Schools Beyond Screens DC is a group of parents and educators working to reduce unnecessary screen use in DC public schools and promote healthy, developmentally appropriate learning environments. 

We are the DC Chapter of Schools Beyond Screens, a national coalition advocating for evidence-based guidelines around technology in the classroom. 

Get Involved // Fill out this interest form.

Contact // SchoolsBeyondScreensDC@gmail.com 

//Read & Share our Open Letter: Why DC Should Not Renew i-Ready

Take action by calling for DCPS to set evidence-based policy for our public and charter schools on the use of screens and devices in classrooms:

// Sign this petition to the Mayor. We are calling for investment in DC kids in teachers, not tech companies.

// Write to your Ward Council representative. You can use this template for reference.

// Testify at a DC Council hearing. You can contact us if you'd like help with your testimony at SchoolsBeyondScreensDC@gmail.com.

// Get involved with us here.

// Close Screens Open Minds Evidence Library

// Mothers Against Media Addiction Fact Sheets

// Safe School Technology Package

// Schools Beyond Screens Useful Resources

// 'The Four Norms of EdTech' by Emily Cherkin

// Burst Your Bubble!: Outsmart the Algorithms and See What You’re Missing

// Killer Underwear Invasion: Media Literacy for Younger Kids

// True or False? The Science of Perception, Misinformation, and Disinformation

You can discuss directly with your school before exercising your right to opt out.

// COPPA

// DCPS Student and Staff Technology and Network Acceptable Use Policy

// DCPS Opt Out letter for 1:1 Device Use

// Arlington Public Schools: Position Paper

// DMV Unplugged

// MCPS PTO Technology Committee opt outs and rebalancing

• Put Student Health at the Center: Every education technology decision must explicitly account for its impact on student mental health, attention, and sleep. Our kids are not beta testers. Their pre-frontal cortex must form appropriately before we give them distraction machines, and “keys to the AI car.”

• Prioritize What Works: Direct funding toward high-impact tutoring, proven literacy supports, and strong teacher-led instruction.

• Rebalance Toward Low-Tech Learning: Restore and invest in handwriting, paper-based materials, outdoor learning, play, and peer collaboration. These are not old-fashioned. They are evidence-based.

• Set Real Screen Time Limits: Establish clear, developmentally appropriate caps on daily classroom screen use. Eliminate any financial incentives that push mandatory digital consumption onto students.

• Demand Full Fiscal Transparency: Require public accountability for every EdTech contract, dollar spent, and outcome measured. Taxpayers and families deserve to see exactly what they're getting.

• Protect Students from Exploitation: Mandate that all digital tools used in classrooms be ad-free, free of manipulative design, and free of gamification. Families must have clear, meaningful opt-out options and full data transparency.

• Support Teachers, Don't Replace Them: Technology must serve educators, never substitute for them. Fund classrooms and staff first.

We are supportive of ongoing assessments of students and a feedback loop that is evidence-based and actionable for teachers. There is value in older students learning to use computers, getting familiar with different programs that they will use in college and their future careers, and learning basic computer literacy so they are well prepared for the workforce. Policies must be implemented in ways that protect equitable access to technology, communication, and learning resources, especially for students who rely on school-based access. However, it is more critical than ever to equip our students with a strong foundation of critical thinking and interpersonal skills, so they can successfully navigate the world. 

Contact us directly // SchoolsBeyondScreensDC@gmail.com