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Va. (WWBT) – When Henrico students return to class next week, they will be met with new guidelines for how often they interact with screens in the classroom
The division unveiled its new “Digital Wellness Guidance” at an August 13th school board meeting
The plan will set daily technology-use limits that increase with age, starting with 15 minutes in Pre-K up to 90 minutes for third through fifth graders
School-issued devices will also stay in the classroom when elementary students go home, meaning no more digital homework for those students
YouTube will be fully blocked for elementary and middle school students. High schoolers will be able to use it with restrictions
The screen time limits currently apply only to elementary schools in the county. At middle and high schools, devices will also be put away during lunch and other times outside the classroom
HCPS Director of Innovation Kourtney Bostain said the division used input from parents, teachers and students to create a more consistent approach for schools across the county to follow
“Technology is one tool in the toolbox, and it’s not always the default that we are going to,” Bostain said. “So in practice, that looks like a mix of hands-on learning, active learning that combines the use of technology, but also we know when we need to put the technology away.”
Bostain said the goal is not simply less screen time, but cutting down on what the division calls passive use. She also said the new guidelines give parents more visibility and control at home
“Parents will have insight into how we’re using technology in our schools and also have some controls over their Henrico-issued technology at home,” Bostain said
Henrico School Board Chair Madison Irving said the shift reflects new thinking about technology for a division that was at the forefront of putting it in students’ hands
“When I’m doing a lesson, can I do this without technology? And if the answer is yes, then you should,” Irving said
Other school board members voiced support for the new approach, while acknowledging that revisions could come as the division evaluates the system throughout the year
“I honestly don’t believe the answer is more technology. I don’t believe the answer is less technology. I think the answer is a better use of technology,” said School Board member Alicia Atkins
Teachers and staff are being trained on the new guidelines this week before welcoming students back Monday
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