Most students are now required to use 1:1 internet-connected devices for school, in spite of well-documented risks. Here's what I asked of my own district.
Thank you Emily. In my talks at private schools, I hear that the reason many parents have left public schools are the issues you raise here. I think private and public schools interested in having students should brag about how much their kids participate in in-class real-world discussion and learn from books and not screens.
The Seattle Times published this story on August 16, and referenced my letter in the article. Shortly after, I got a reply to the emailed letter from the Superintendent. I have update this post to reflect that. Here is a link to the Seattle Times story: https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/these-kids-are-learning-without-technology-in-seattle-public-schools/
Worth noting this piece in the NYtimes by Natasha Singer (published 8/14/26) about Google AI making their Gemini chatbot available to all students: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/business/google-gemini-ai-schools.html?unlocked_article_code=1.5lA.H_BC.fLj0egnBF2Dv&smid=nytcore-ios-share
And be sure to read this guest essay by a teacher about what happened when tested Google’s Gemini chatbot: https://firstfish.substack.com/p/it-sounds-like-your-mind-is-on-a?r=250yb9&utm_medium=ios
Thank you Emily. In my talks at private schools, I hear that the reason many parents have left public schools are the issues you raise here. I think private and public schools interested in having students should brag about how much their kids participate in in-class real-world discussion and learn from books and not screens.
Yes! I agree, Richard. This is a “selling” point to bring students in to a school. If only more schools saw it this way! Perhaps eventually they will.