Screen Time Limits Planned For Summit Public Schools

SUMMIT, NJ — Summit Public Schools plans to introduce initiatives aimed at limiting student screen time and classroom technology use next school year, Superintendent Scott Hough said during a recent Board of Education meeting.

Hough addressed the issue following public comments from parent Stacey Allen, who raised concerns about increasing technology use in schools, particularly among younger students.

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“I've watched the technology increase and increase and increase, and I'm shocked, and I'm scared,” Allen told the board. “I think we really need to reduce the amount of technology.”

Allen questioned the use of Chromebooks in elementary grades and urged district officials to continue reviewing research on the impact of technology use among children.

Responding to the comments, Hough said district administrators have been discussing the issue throughout the school year.

“We plan on making action plans for year two of our five-year strategic plan to limit screen time, to limit technology in the classroom, and to limit the ability to take that technology home,” Hough said.

Hough said the details are still being developed but confirmed reducing screen time will be “an initiative for next year for Summit Public Schools.”

“We're aware of some of the research,” Hough added. “We do see what's happening in the public and community as it relates to this, and we're going to adjust and pivot accordingly.”