Canon-McMillan School District bans Chromebooks for youngest students next year

The Canon-McMillan School District will stop providing Chromebooks to its youngest pupils from the next academic year. The decision affects students in kindergarten through second grade, marking a shift away from digital learning for this age group. District leaders say the move aims to reduce screen time and prioritise child development. The change follows concerns about the impact of excessive screen use on young children. Educators have observed that today’s six-year-olds struggle more with literacy, focus, and social skills compared to previous years. Many link this to increased screen exposure during early childhood.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced remote learning for current kindergarteners and incoming students. While technology helped maintain education at the time, the district now believes a return to traditional methods will better support early development. Superintendent Greg Taranto noted that Canon-McMillan is the first in the region to take this step.

Parents like Casey Cromwell have welcomed the decision. Cromwell, whose son Grayson will enter first grade at Muse Elementary next year, noticed her child becoming more irritable with prolonged screen use. She supports the district’s focus on well-being over digital convenience.

The policy is part of a broader effort to cut screen time across all grades, particularly in elementary schools. A 2025 national survey further highlighted the issue, finding that children born during the pandemic entered school with fewer readiness skills. From next year, Chromebooks will no longer be issued to kindergarten through second-grade pupils in the district. The shift reflects growing concerns about screen time’s effects on learning and behaviour. Officials hope the change will help young students develop stronger foundational skills without relying on digital devices.