Lower Merion parents don’t want their kids to use tech at school. But districts are pushing back

May 15, 2026 - 17:55

A growing number of parents in Lower Merion and across the country are asking schools to put away the tablets and laptops. They want their children to learn with pencils, paper, and traditional textbooks instead of spending hours staring at screens. But many school districts are resisting the change, arguing that technology is essential for modern education.

The debate has become heated in recent months. Parent groups have formed to lobby school boards, citing concerns about attention spans, eye strain, and the overall impact of constant digital exposure on young minds. Some parents say their kids come home with headaches or complain about being glued to a device all day. They argue that schools should focus on handwriting, face-to-face discussion, and hands-on activities.

School administrators, however, say that banning technology is not realistic. They point to state testing requirements that are now done online, as well as the need to teach digital literacy. Many districts have invested heavily in laptops and software, and they argue that removing them would leave students unprepared for college and careers. Some educators also say that technology helps level the playing field for students with learning disabilities.

The tension between worried parents and cautious school boards is unlikely to disappear soon. Both sides agree that screen time is a problem, but they disagree on how to solve it. For now, the battle over what belongs in the classroom continues.