Guidelines for Managing Technology Use in Schools

Guidelines for Managing Technology Use in Schools 

By Lars Guo 

Published: July 31, 2025

Opening Message 

If you're a parent or school staff member looking for ways to help students stay focused and succeed academically, this blog is for you. In today’s post, we’ll explore strategies to manage technology use in schools in order to improve learning outcomes, reduce distractions, and build better social skills. Disclaimer: While I haven’t been part of the school system in recent years, I’ve personally used various educational devices—from iPads and laptops to Alphasmarts—throughout my academic journey from Kindergarten to college. This post is not meant to promote specific products; rather, the tools mentioned are simply examples of what schools could use to improve learning. My hope is that by the end of this post, educators and parents alike can support students in becoming more focused and better learners.

Wix took this photo

Related Blog Posts for Further Reading:

• Key School Supplies for Enhancing Student Learning Outcomes

• Evaluating the Relevance of Single-Purpose Electronic Devices Today

• Kindle Paperwhite: A School-Friendly Reading Tool

• Photography Time: Using Cameras in the Classroom

• Laptop vs. Tablet: What’s Better for Learning?

• Designing Your Perfect Study Area for Enhanced Learning

• Enhancing Language Skills with MP3 Players: A New Approach

Step-by-Step Guidelines

Step 1: Collect All Non-Essential Devices

Before class begins, remove all personal electronic devices from students—phones (smart or not), tablets, laptops, etc.—unless they are medically necessary. This sets a clear tone that school is a space for focused learning. Extend this policy throughout the school day, not just in the classroom, to encourage in-person communication and discourage reliance on screens. For students who require digital note-taking, consider providing distraction-free devices like the reMarkable tablet, which allows handwriting without app notifications.

Step 2: Provide Controlled Access to Tech for Assignments

When assignments must be typed or submitted online, allow access to school-managed computer labs or laptops with the necessary programs. Once the assignment is complete, students should return the devices to a designated cart or storage area. For video projects, use traditional cameras rather than smartphones to avoid distraction from social media and notifications. As someone who grew up using older, single-purpose tech, I found it helped me concentrate—and I believe students today could benefit from the same approach.

Step 3: Schedule No-Tech Breaks

Designate specific break times during which students are not allowed to use their personal technology. Encourage them to engage in face-to-face conversations, games, or physical activity. This fosters important social development and helps students build the interpersonal skills needed in adulthood. After all, most professional environments don’t allow constant phone use—students should be prepared for that reality.

Final Step: Return Devices at Day’s End

At the end of the school day, return students’ personal devices. This gives them time to play games, use social media, or do whatever they wish—after learning is done. This balance reinforces the idea that school is a place for learning, and home is a place for recreation.

Pros and Cons of Limiting Technology in Schools

Pros:

• Students stay focused and attentive in class.

• Face-to-face communication improves.

• Reduces overreliance on AI tools like ChatGPT for learning basic skills like math, writing, and reading.

• Encourages true comprehension rather than shortcut learning.

Cons:

• May reduce exposure to new tech skills needed for future jobs.

• Students from underprivileged backgrounds may lose opportunities to learn with tools they can’t access at home.

Why Take These Steps Anyway?

While it's true that technology plays a major role in today’s world, students have ample time outside the classroom to explore and learn how to use it. In fact, many students today are more tech-savvy than ever. What they often lack are foundational academic and social skills. By limiting technology use during school hours, we help students build discipline, improve focus, and learn how to learn—skills that last a lifetime.

Closing Message 

What do you think—are these steps too old-fashioned, or could they be just what students need to succeed? Should schools embrace a low-tech environment during class, or should technology be more deeply integrated into learning? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your ideas, and let’s continue the conversation about how we can make education more effective and less distracted. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for my next blog post! Have a great day!

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