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It's time for our schools to embrace intentional, student-centered, evidence-based policies around classroom tech.
Student rights
Every student in District 196 deserves an education that puts their growth, health, and humanity first. These twelve rights, developed by Schools Beyond Screens, make that commitment concrete.
I have the right to an education that is as good or better than that of the generation before me. The nature of my education should not change rapidly in response to trends, but rather should equip me with perennial skills like problem-solving, resilience, attention, and creativity. I have the right to come first in my own education, ahead of corporate interests.
The right to modes and methods of learning that have been proven effective before their introduction in the classroom — not to serve as a guinea pig, beta tester, or model trainer.
The right to read whole books throughout elementary, middle, and high school, and to regularly read and write on paper.
The right to a low-stimulation learning environment that fosters deep thinking, attention, and focus.
The right to be fully informed of vendor data practices, and to protect personal information from being packaged, sold, or leaked by vendors.
The right to protect physical and mental health by limiting screen-based technologies that may cause or worsen myopia, sleep disruptions, anxiety, and depression.
The right to be shielded from online content of a sexual or violent nature, and from communication with those who mean harm.
The right to a learning environment free from undue corporate influence — not to be treated as a customer or laborer within school.
The right to screen-free periods including recess, PE, and lunch — and to social experiences that aren't limited to the digital sphere.
The right to defend personal work from theft and misuse — no work fed to AI without consent, and no compulsion to use AI tools.
The right to learning that is embodied, experiential, and social, in accordance with pediatric recommendations for each age group.
The right to access and review educational records, including materials and assessments owned by ed-tech companies.
The right to experience failure, difficulty, and struggle — to be held to high standards and pushed beyond comfort zones.
The Student Tech Bill of Rights was developed by Schools Beyond Screens — a national, parent-led movement building intentional, evidence-based technology policies for K–12 schools. 196 Unplugged is a proud affiliate of Schools Beyond Screens, and we champion their work here in District 196.
Visit Schools Beyond Screens →What we're asking for
It's time for our schools to embrace intentional, student-centered, evidence-based policies around classroom tech.
We are committed to working collaboratively with our school district to build smarter, evidence-based technology policies.
Prohibit personal device use from bell-to-bell, including in classrooms, hallways, and common areas.
Eliminate advertising from all school-provided technology platforms and apps.
Block social media, gaming, and YouTube on school networks and devices.
Require that all ed-tech tools meet a rigorous evidence standard before adoption in classrooms.
Disable AI writing, summarizing, and tutoring tools by default; require opt-in with clear educational purpose.
Prohibit the collection, sale, or sharing of student data with third-party vendors without explicit consent.
Create screen-free zones and periods — including recess, PE, lunch, and free periods.
Require at least one full book to be read per semester in every grade, on paper.
Provide opt-out pathways for families who wish to limit their child's screen time at school.
Publish an annual transparency report on all ed-tech vendors used, data practices, and student screen time.
Prohibit using screen time or device access as a reward or punishment.
Reform proposals adapted from Schools Beyond Screens, a national parent-led organization advocating for evidence-based technology policies in K–12 education. 196 Unplugged is a proud affiliate.
Research & resources
We're pro-evidence, not anti-tech. These are the resources we lean on most when making the case for responsible technology in schools.
Your voice matters
Every policy conversation gets stronger with real families behind it. Tell us how screens, schools, and childhood look from where you stand — your story may help shape what comes next for District 196.
Share your story →Questions? Ideas?
We'd love to hear from you — whether you want to get involved, have a question, or just want to talk it through.