School Policy and Recommendations on Screen Use

Devices used strategically can support learning, but without careful planning, they can detract.

As an educational institution, we consider carefully the information that is shared regarding the use of screens, technology, and social media within school age populations. The evidence is overwhelming that science and common sense concur that the amount of time that children spend on screens is detrimental to their development in many ways. The Surgeon General recently issued a warning about adolescents and screen time resulting in poor mental health outcomes as well as a call for warning labels on social media platforms. While devices are ubiquitous, we believe that the extended use of screens in educational and home settings does not benefit children and their learning.

BCD does not permit students to bring any device to school except for approved laptops for Sixth – Eighth Grade. This includes cell phones, personal laptops, iPads, iPod Touch, AirPods, tablets, smartwatches, and any device that has connectivity. In addition, we recommend that students do not use screens at home for recreational purposes during the school week. There are so many other things students can do to encourage positive growth and skills.

After a careful review of the how, why, and when screens can be used for educational purposes in school, BCD is instituting the following policy regarding the use of devices and technology in the academic setting:

  • Students in Brook Farm Preschool will not be exposed to any screens.
  • Students in Prekindergarten through Second Grade will not use any screens with the
    exception of project based learning tools in the Imagination Lab. Third Grade will be the same with the exception of some limited applications in science and research.
  • Students in Fourth Grade will continue to have limited use of screens as they engage in more complex lessons in science, technology, Imagination Lab, and for the beginning of library research. Fifth Grade will follow the same practice with the addition of designated use in Robotics.
  • Sixth through Eighth Grades only will Bring Your Own Device, but screens will not
    be used in Music, French, Art, OL, etc. Devices will need to be registered at the
    IT office and will have protocols for use.