Amid intense discussion, Lower Merion School leaders propose changing technology policy

ARDMORE, Pa (WPVI) -- As there continue to be conversations about screen time in the Lower Merion School District, school leaders are now proposing a new policy surrounding technology use.

On Monday night, parents and students packed a meeting of the school district's policy committee.

During that meeting, the committee proposed repealing the current technology policy in favor of one they say better outlines how students should use tech, as well as how it would be monitored and restricted.

The first reading of the proposed policy happened on Monday night. School board members say there will be a second reading before the committee in June before the proposal would be considered by the full board.

The ultimate goal, school leaders say, is to implement changes before the start of the next school year this fall.

"We need to come up with reasonable expectations that we can understand with the best science," said Dr. Kerry Sautner, the school board president.

For months, some parents have voiced concerns about the amount of screen time in school, how it is monitored, and the fact that 5th through 12th grade students are issued devices to take home.

Hundreds of parents have signed a petition to opt out of the district's 1:1 policy.

However, board member Anna Shurak told parents during Monday's meeting that it is not possible for students to opt out of using technology.

"We are not set up in our district to be able to provide individualized learning plans for students that do not have access to computers," she said.

In January, the American Academy of Pediatrics moved away from placing limits on the amount of screen time for children. Instead, it said it is more important to focus on the quality of the content children are consuming.

Dr. Katie Lockwood, a pediatrician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said there are concerns when it comes to screen time.

"I do worry that sometimes our media use is pushing away the things that we value so much about development, which is peer interactions, physical activity and conversations with adults," she explained.

However, Dr. Lockwood said she believes tech can also spur creativity and social connection for children.

"And, it can prepare them for future careers, so they can learn tools and programs online that they may use in a professional context in the future," said Lockwood.

When it comes to media use, Dr. Lockwood said there need to be layers of protection for children.

"We can't just rely on a child to regulate their screen time in terms of how much and what they're consuming," she said. "But we really have to think about all those layers of protection as being essential in helping protect children online."