Resources

The Heads Up Horsemen PTA committee provides a research-backed and thoughtfully curated selection of data, resources, information, and inspiration for those who are interested in learning more, taking action, and helping foster a screen-smart community.

Known Risks of Excessive Ed Tech

Distraction

In a 2025 national survey of over 1,000 educators, Chromebooks ranked above cellphones as the most common classroom distraction for students (surpassed only by other students). (SOURCE)

Inappropriate Content

In a Common Sense Media survey, 25% of teens admitted to watching porn during the school day, and almost half of them saw it on a school-issued device. (SOURCE)

Students use Chromebooks for gaming, social media, and unfettered internet access.

YouTube videos viewed on SmartBoards and devices expose students to inappropriate third-party advertising.

Poor Educational Outcomes

It is now well-established that reading and writing on digital devices harms literacy. (SOURCE)

Students who do math problems using pencil and paper outperform their peers. (SOURCE)

Budget Challenges

Federal funding that “helped dramatically expand 1-to-1 device programs—has dried up as many of the devices it paid for are now near the end of their lifecycles.” (SOURCE)

Keep Classrooms ScreenSmart with these Seven Core Values of EdTech

  1. Emphasize human connection instead of device-led instruction

  2. Be purposeful, don’t default to digital

  3. Promote kinesthetic learning and transferrable skills

  4. When digital learning is required, use common screens

  5. Create opportunitiies for healthy, analog downtime

  6. Promote skills-building techniques to amplify device use

  7. Provide ongoing training for teachers and parents

Read More

Creating Healthy, Lasting Habits in a World of Screens

We know total digital abstinence is unrealistic, so we have provided a few helpful tactics—for home and school—that promote healthy, purposeful device use.

Screen Hygiene Guide
A list of books about kids and technology

The Screen-Smart Reading List

There is no shortage of books, articles, white papers, blog posts, and emails to read on this subject—and it can be overwhelming! We cut through the noise to find the best ones. Check out our (evolving) lists of books for parents and kids.

View the Lists

Want to Learn More?

HeadsUp Horsemen consists of local volunteers who care about our kids, schools, and community. Join our email list to receive free resources and learn about our efforts.

Ready to sign the pledge?

Wait Until 8th is a national initiative that encourages families to keep kids off of smart phones at least until the end of eighth grade.

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