Round Rock Parents Petitioned for Screen-Free Classrooms
A coalition of local parents is calling on the district to limit device usage in classrooms.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Primary Education
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Round Rock ISD parents have launched a petition seeking to curb the use of digital devices in local classrooms. The movement, led by the coalition Schools Beyond Screens, has gathered over 1,200 signatures to advocate for new technology policies.
Why it matters
The parents argue that excessive reliance on digital software and screen time hinders student focus and critical thinking skills. This push aims to reshape how technology is integrated into the daily curriculum for younger students.
The petition requests ten specific policy changes, including the total elimination of device use for students in grades PreK-2. This comes alongside recent data showing eight-year-olds spend up to 5.5 hours daily on screens.
The players
Schools Beyond Screens
This is a local coalition of parents advocating for reduced technology integration in the Round Rock Independent School District.
Round Rock Independent School District
This public school district serves the educational needs of students in Round Rock, Texas.
Vera Southwell
She is a candidate running for Place 3 on the Round Rock Independent School District Board of Trustees.
The details
The Schools Beyond Screens coalition presented their proposal to the school board following concerns about academic achievement, citing Federal Communications Commission findings that link screen time to lower reading and math scores. In response to these concerns, the district has held three public instructional technology focus groups.
Timeline
A Federal Communications Commission report was published in May 2026.
Candidates responded to requests for comment regarding the petition on October 9, 2026.
Roadmap
This effort follows the findings established in the Federal Communications Commission report on children's screen time regarding academic achievement. The local debate mirrors broader national conversations about the appropriate role of digital integration in primary education.
Families in the district may see changes to how their children interact with digital devices during the school day if the board adopts the proposed policies. Parents can engage with the district's ongoing review of technology practices through upcoming board meetings.
The takeaway
Parents advocating for reduced screen time are prioritizing traditional cognitive engagement over digital instructional software. This movement highlights the growing tension between modern educational technology integration and developmental concerns.
Further reading
For more information on current classroom initiatives, visit the Primary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXAN.
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