Fort Bend Independent School District is reviewing its classroom technology practices as parents push for reduced screen time and a greater emphasis on traditional learning methods.
During a school board meeting earlier this week, Chief Academic Officer Matt Warford outlined how technology is currently used in classrooms and discussed changes aimed at limiting non-instructional screen time.
Warford acknowledged that students can use school-issued devices for activities unrelated to instruction, including watching videos and playing games.
However, he also highlighted the educational benefits of technology, including research, academic learning programs, college applications, and communication with teachers.
Throughout the 2026-27 school year, district officials plan to review existing technology guidelines, strengthen classroom expectations, research practices in neighboring districts, and develop short- and long-term strategies for improving technology use.
Potential measures include establishing a task force, gathering community feedback, and providing additional training for teachers.
The district also plans to introduce a parent portal allowing families to view the most frequently accessed content on their children’s devices and report restricted use to district officials.
Several Fort Bend ISD families have also established a local chapter of Schools Beyond Screens, a national organization advocating for reduced reliance on digital devices in education.
During public comment, district resident Grace Chen questioned whether constant access to laptops, artificial intelligence, and online distractions could undermine students’ academic development.
Board President Kristin Tassin also raised concerns about the long-term consequences of relying heavily on technology in classrooms.
“If we don’t start making moves to make changes in how we teach our children to learn, then we are going to reap heavy consequences in the future,” Tassin said.
She also questioned the habits students develop when introduced to digital devices at an early age.
“What kinds of habits are we building when we put an iPad in the hand of a kindergartner?”
The discussion comes as other Texas school districts reconsider the role of technology in education.
Earlier this year, Lockhart ISD trustees approved a Childhood Unlocked initiative, which aims to reduce classroom screen time by 50 percent while increasing opportunities for free play and hands-on learning during the 2026–27 school year.
Fort Bend ISD officials have not announced specific restrictions on classroom technology use. District staff are expected to continue evaluating current practices and provide updates to families throughout the school year.
