Meeting Public Comments

Andrea Boyd

Our family is in support of this bill. We are happy to provide current research on this critical issue for our future generation. In addition, our family can speak about the profound impacts of "opting out" of the iPads for both of our middle school aged children from nontechbased classroom work this school year. For our son, the impact has been nothing short of a miracle. No longer having the 1:1 screen distraction, has built resiliency, tenacity, improved focus and a desire to be in school learning. This is a far cry from just 2 years ago. Removing the addictive pull of the iPad and YouTube he is now on track to have his IEP removed by the end of this school year. He is excited and engaged in learning again! We know we are not the only family experiencing this. The research (attached) demonstrates this as well.Our family is passionate about sharing our journey with others because our children's critical thinking and future autonomy depends upon it. It's our duty, as adults, to empower our children to rise up and own their educational journey again. We can, by going back to the basics. Thank you for the opportunity to express and share our experience. Please let us know how we can be of service. Our journey is one of hope and success and we would love other families to have the same opportunity!Here are links to more information, as well as attached PDF files for reference:FULL LINKhttps://fairplayforkids.org/pf/screensandlearning/REFERNCES FOR FULL LINK:https://fairplayforkids.org/screensandlearningkitreferences/

Teri Patrick

I am writing to express my support for this bill. As we address low proficiency rates, its important to consider technology as a potential contributing factor. I feel it is crucial to understand how screen time and technology/device usage may be impacting students. The integration of technology in classrooms has revolutionized how we approach education, but we must take a closer look at how these devices are affecting student engagement, attention, and overall academic performance. There is growing evidence that excessive screen time and the distraction of electronic devices may be contributing to lower proficiency rates, particularly in subjects like reading and math. This study is crucial for understanding the potential effects on learning outcomes.

Brittany Sowder [The Lighthouse Foundation]

I strongly support SF 237, which calls for a working group to study the impact of technology on students cognitive function and academic performance. In an era where digital platforms are integrated into daily education, it is critical to assess not only how technology affects learning but also how it exposes our children to online dangersincluding human trafficking.Many gaming platforms, such as Roblox, are accessible on school devices without proper knowledge or restriction. Traffickers intentionally target children on these platforms, using them to build relationships, groom, and exploit vulnerable youth. The terrifying reality is that this can happen while students are in schoola place that should be focused on safety and learning. Without clear safeguards, children may unknowingly interact with predators who manipulate them under the guise of friendship or gaming.Schools must take an active role in understanding how technology impacts students, not just academically but also in terms of their safety and wellbeing. SF 237 is a necessary step toward ensuring that children are not only equipped for the digital age but also protected from its dangers. We owe it to our students to provide an environment where they can learn without the looming threat of online predators infiltrating their daily school experience.