School district bans Chromebooks for young pupils to curb screen time

The Canon-McMillan School District will stop giving Chromebooks to its youngest pupils from next year. The decision follows concerns about excessive screen time and its impact on early childhood development. Officials believe the move will help refocus learning in the classroom rather than behind screens. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how remote learning affected young children’s readiness for school. A 2025 national survey by Lexia revealed that kids born during this period struggle more with basic literacy, attention spans, and social-emotional skills. These findings prompted the district to take action.

The district has been cutting back on screen time across all year groups, with a stronger emphasis on primary school pupils. Starting next academic year, students from kindergarten to sixth grade will no longer use screens during lessons. Superintendent Greg Taranto noted that the district is likely the first in the region to adopt such a policy.

Assistant Superintendent Mark Abbondanza admitted that children currently spend too much time on technology. The new approach aims to shift focus back to traditional classroom interactions. Casey Cromwell, a parent, supported the change after noticing her son, Grayson, becoming irritable after long periods of screen use. She praised the district for prioritising student well-being. The policy will remove Chromebooks for pupils in kindergarten through second grade initially. Over time, the ban will extend to sixth graders. District leaders hope the change will improve foundational skills and reduce reliance on digital devices in early education.