Balancing screens and learning in Virginia Beach schools

Virginia Beach’s school board is rethinking how young students use computers in class. A new plan would stop pre-K through first graders from using school laptops during lessons next year. Second graders couldn’t take their devices home except in special cases, though they’d still use them at school. Older kids would keep their Chromebooks both in class and at home. Some parents and board members argue that too much screen time hurts young learners. They worry kids focus more on swiping screens than grasping lessons. Others say the change comes too late—many children already spend hours a day on devices. But teachers and parents at a recent meeting pushed back, calling the plan shortsighted. They say tech prepares kids for a world where digital skills matter more every year.The debate highlights a bigger question: Can schools cut screen time without holding students back? Research shows both risks and benefits to early tech use. Some studies warn screens can hurt attention spans. Others argue that proper tech training builds skills kids will need later. The board hasn’t decided yet, but they’re looking for a middle ground. One board member pointed out a funny irony—most adults at the meeting were glued to their phones. If adults can’t avoid screens, how can we expect kids to? Others fear the policy could limit creative teaching methods. Some worry it sets a dangerous precedent: letting opinions, not research, shape education rules. The school chief admitted there’s no clear answer. Tech in classrooms hasn’t lived up to its big promises. Some kids learn better with devices, while others get distracted. The board now faces a tough call—protect kids from too much screen time or risk leaving them behind in a digital world.