01Start with a conversation
Talk with the teacher before making a formal request. These five questions work for any proposed screen activity, from preschool through high school. Keep your child’s age and needs in mind.
Five questions for any screen activity
What is the learning goal?
Which skill or understanding is the activity meant to develop?
Why use a screen?
Is the goal to learn a technology skill that requires device practice? For other goals, what clear advantage does it offer over a book, discussion, or hands-on activity? If there is no clear advantage, can the activity stay screen-free?
How much time?
How long is each session, and how much device use adds up across the school day and homework?
What evidence supports this use?
Does it concern this program, age group, and learning outcome? What was it compared with? How will the teacher check whether it improves learning?
What alternatives and accommodations are available?
Can a student use paper where appropriate, while keeping any technology they need to participate?
OSFP recommends that a proposed screen activity earn its place through a clear learning benefit, technology-skill goal, or access need. Starting with teaching goals is consistent with the Education Endowment Foundation’s guidance.
02Know the realities
- Families who opt out are often the first in their district.
- Officials may not know if it’s allowed.
- It can add work for teachers.
- Your child may be asked why they’re doing something different.
03Sample letters
Sample opt-out letters: the UnPlug EdTech Toolkit by Emily Cherkin.
04An Oregon example
05A family decision
Choosing to opt out, or not, is a family decision. Neither choice makes anyone a better or worse parent.
Templates for this step
See all templatesRequest for paper-based alternatives
This letter asks for paper-based alternatives for your own child.
Letter to a teacher or principal
This is a first conversation, not a demand.
Last reviewed September 27, 2026.