Virginia Beach Chromebook ban until second grade

Virginia Beach school officials are moving toward a policy that would sharply limit Chromebook use for the district’s youngest students. Local reports published June 2 said the Virginia Beach School Board is considering ending classroom Chromebook use before second grade, after months of debate over screen time in early elementary grades. The draft under discussion would also keep most second graders from taking devices home except during weather closures or other emergency remote-learning days. School leaders have framed the proposal as a response to parent feedback and broader concerns about how much time young children spend on screens in class. ### Which students would lose regular Chromebook access under the draft? The proposal described by WHRO and WTKR would apply to students in prekindergarten through second grade. Under the draft, pre-K and first-grade students would not use Chromebooks or similar devices in classrooms, with exceptions for settings such as the library and for students with Section 504 plans, Individualized Education Programs or other adaptive learning needs. (whro.org) Second graders would still use one-to-one Chromebooks in school, according to WTKR, but they would not be allowed to take them home unless schools close because of weather or an emergency. Students in grades 3 through 5 would continue one-to-one Chromebook use and could still bring devices home. ### Who on the board is backing the change? Carolyn Weems, the board’s vice chair, said at a school board meeting last week that the proposal was not a drastic step. “We have been talking about this for quite a while, not just here, but statewide and nationally,” Weems said, according to WHRO. “It’s a very measured, common-sense approach. (wtkr.com) I do not think it’s drastic at all.” Kathleen Brown, the school board chair, said the policy review committee had already drafted language and recommended it for approval. Brown told WTKR that parent feedback supported reducing device use in classrooms, saying that even with what she described as a leading survey, many parents still preferred “as little Chromebook use as possible.” (whro.org) ### What arguments are driving the push? WHRO reported that the board’s discussion came as more research has linked heavier screen time with negative outcomes for children. The outlet cited concerns about mood problems, lower grades and other effects tied to excessive screen exposure, and said teachers, parents and board members agreed students need less time in front of screens. (wtkr.com) Diana Loveless, a parent quoted by WTKR, argued that Chromebook time displaces activities that matter more in early learning. “They’re not reading a book, they’re not doing hands-on creative and imaginative play, and they’re not interacting with each other,” Loveless said. “What are they losing? It’s something really foundational during those early learning years.” (whro.org) ### Is this tied to wider health concerns about children and screens? WHRO said researchers broadly agree that children younger than 2 should have no screen time, while children ages 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour a day, citing a 2025 analysis of existing recommendations. The report also cited the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry as saying excessive screen time can contribute to sleep problems, lower grades, isolation and mood problems. (wtkr.com) Separate health coverage in The CSR Journal said experts recommend outdoor play and regular breaks to reduce eye strain and support visual health as children’s screen exposure rises. That reporting was not specific to Virginia Beach schools, but it reflects the broader health debate surrounding classroom device use. ### When does the board act next? WTKR reported that the proposal is expected to be presented to the full School Board at the end of June and that a vote could happen this month. (whro.org) If approved, the changes would take effect at the start of the 2026-27 school year, according to that report. The Virginia Beach School Board’s public meetings page shows the board held a special meeting on June 2 at the School Administration Building in the Municipal Center. (thecsrjournal.in) Agenda materials are posted through the board’s meeting system, where the next public action on the Chromebook policy would be documented. (schoolboard.vbschools.com) (wtkr.com)