In an FAQ obtained by TechCrunch that was sent to affected customers this week, PowerSchool says that “sensitive personal information” was accessed during its December breach.

The hackers broke into PowerSchool’s internal customer support portal using a stolen credential, the company previously said. The breach affects users of PowerSchool’s school information system, which schools use to manage student records, grades, attendance, and enrollment.

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Eighty people from 20 organizations under the umbrella of the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition met via Zoom Wednesday to push for state policies that will improve student outcomes in reading. These include $100 million to make sure that all districts have access to training in “evidence-based strategies,” including the science of reading, which represents the consensus on the best methods for literacy instruction like a focus on phonics and vocabulary-building.

The coalition is also calling for dedicated resources to support the early screening of struggling students.

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The bill by Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee, would require the state Board of Education to adopt a model policy prohibiting students in K12 from possessing or using cell phones during classroom instructional time.

The model policy would include an escalating discipline scale, including fines for students who are repeat offenders.

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Adaline Whitmer, 7, is bubbly, yet shy. She’s starting to come out of her shell since she began cheerleading at a local gym.

Both Kellen and Adaline attend public elementary schools in Oklahoma.

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Earlier in the day, PCHS posted a note on its website that the school was closed due to the Palisades Fire.

As the fires continued to rage, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency, and nearly 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate.

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He won one of 20 available slots in a new high school apprenticeship program—just one of three at Accenture — in a city of 20,000 public high school students.

Three years later, Brown-Weaver, now 19, has become a full-time employee, earning more than $20 an hour as a package app developer at Accenture.

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When he arrived at the school for the 2022-23 school year, the district, Dothan City Schools, did not have a district-wide policy. Instead, it was left up to the schools. So, students had access to their phones “whenever they wanted,” unless a teacher strictly prohibited their usage during class.

“What we saw during that year was that our students were constantly distracted,” he says. “We had bullying ongoing due to conversations from social media carrying over into the classroom. We had random pictures being taken and shared with people. We had students calling parents and telling them anytime something didn’t go their way.”

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As a result, his students were frustrated and depressed, and mental health soon became a primary concern for him and his staff. It wasn’t until Longshore’s “big why” that he implemented smartphone restrictions in his school.

He received word that two students were going to fight in between classes. Longshore had about five minutes before the bell rang, so he found the two students and pulled them aside. At the bell, nearly 200 students ran out to the school courtyard where the fight was supposed to happen.

“It was like a stampede,” says Longshore, all because someone had airdropped and sent texts from their phone where and when these two students were going to fight.

“It could have been much worse had I not been able to pull the students ahead of time,” he says.

Behavior turnaround

The school purchased lockboxes that bolt into the walls of every classroom. Each student is assigned a number in the box and during homeroom, each student checks their phone into the lockbox.

“We got creative with our scheduling so every student’s homeroom is also their last class of the day,” he explains.

As a result, they’ve minimized distractions and movement throughout the building, and the district now allows administrators to enforce consequences if students are caught with their phones out.

“The main part that gets us reaction is that the parents have to come to the school to pick the phone up when the policy is not followed by the student,” he says. “Now, all the district’s sixth through 12th grades are doing this policy.”

Across the board, Longshore says, behavior referrals dropped 33% from the 2022-23 to 2023-24 school year. He’s seeing an even greater reduction in the first quarter of this school year.

Dealing with smartphone ban backlash

Unsurprisingly, he says, there was some resistance from parents when the policy was first introduced. However, once administrators explained in detail how it worked, he says parents accepted that it would positively impact their children. The only complaints they receive is when a parent has to come to pick up their child’s phone when they’re caught with it, “which is honestly very few,” says Longshore.

One of the most common reasons parents dislike smartphone bans is they believe they should have access to their children in an emergency. However, Longshore believes that freeing students from their phones is more beneficial.

“We believe that the students are going to be happier, mentally focused and mentally healthy, and have fewer distractions by the phone not being on them,” he says. “Ultimately, this means they should be more successful. We also have a team of people who answer our phones all day and we can get your child very quickly if there is a need.”

‘Simple and reasonable’

“Do it now. You will not regret it,” Longshore tells other leaders. He advises administrators to announce their policies in the summer and hold parent nights to discuss them in detail.

“We put in a lot of work up front,” he says. “We had answers to every question we could come up with in our team meetings and were prepared to answer them with our parents. We did not want to have any hesitation or area uncovered in our plan.”

For instance, administrators planned where to store lockbox backup keys, how to handle checkout and what to do when students are late to school. While some parents will likely argue heatedly against a ban, prepared leaders can respond with clear reasons for the school’s decision.

“The best was one dad who was there for nearly 10 minutes,” says Longshore. “He stood up and said, ‘So, you mean if my child turns his phone in home room, it’s locked up all day and he gets it back at the end of the day? Seems simple and reasonable. Have a good night,’ and walks out.”

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In today’s educational landscape, digital tools and technologies are essential for teaching and learning, offering immense student engagement and achievement opportunities. However, these advancements also bring challenges that schools must address to cultivate healthy and productive relationships with technology.

Digital well-being involves the balanced use of technology to enhance, rather than hinder, mental, emotional and physical health. For school districts, prioritizing digital well-being is a proactive approach to supporting students, staff, and families in navigating the complexities of a connected world.

Understanding digital well-being in education

Digital well-being refers to the mindful use of technology and creating an environment where technology supports learning without contributing to stress, distraction or negative social interactions. It is essential to emphasize the importance of matching the digital resource with the task—using technology as a means to an end and not for its own sake.

With students spending significant time on devices at school and home, districts have a responsibility to address issues like screen time management, cyberbullying, data privacy and the psychological impacts of social media.

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A district-wide approach to digital well-being goes beyond individual initiatives. It requires a cohesive strategy involving guidelines, professional development and curriculum design.

Challenges to digital well-being

• Excessive screen time: The increased use of devices for learning has blurred the boundaries between productive and excessive screen time. Extended hours in front of screens can lead to eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns and reduced physical activity.
• Lack of balance and unplugged time: Constant connectivity to digital devices can lead to burnout, increased stress and difficulty maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline life. Setting specific times to unplug allows students to recharge mentally, engage in face-to-face interactions and explore non-digital hobbies, fostering overall well-being and resilience.
• Cyberbullying and online safety: The digital age has transformed bullying, allowing it to occur anonymously and around the clock. Cyberbullying can significantly impact students’ mental health and sense of safety.
• Social media pressure: Platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat influence students’ self-esteem and social interactions. Comparing themselves to curated online personas can lead to anxiety and depression.
• Data privacy concerns: With the rise in digital learning platforms, safeguarding student data is critical. Mismanagement or breaches can undermine trust and expose sensitive information.
• Digital dependency: Overreliance on technology for entertainment or academic purposes can hinder students’ ability to focus, think critically and engage in offline activities.

Strategies for promoting digital well-being

1. Developing digital well-being guidelines: A foundational step for districts is to create a comprehensive digital well-being policy. This policy should outline expectations for technology use, strategies to mitigate risks and guidelines for balanced screen time. Input from educators, parents and students can ensure the policy is relevant and effective.

2. Educating students on digital citizenship: Incorporating digital citizenship into the curriculum equips students with skills to navigate the digital world responsibly. Topics should include ethical online behavior, media literacy, privacy protection and recognizing and managing cyberbullying. By embedding these lessons into daily instruction, districts can foster a culture of respect and responsibility.

3. Professional development for educators: Teachers play a pivotal role in modeling and promoting digital well-being. Professional development should focus on: Integrating technology to enhance learning without overwhelming students; identifying signs of digital fatigue or cyberbullying; and encouraging breaks from screens through active and collaborative learning strategies.

4. Encouraging family engagement: Parents and guardians are key partners in promoting digital well-being. Districts can provide workshops, resources and communication channels to help families set boundaries for screen time at home, understand the impact of social media and foster open dialogues about online experiences.

5. Implementing mindful technology: Promoting mindfulness in technology use can mitigate negative effects. Strategies include:

• Scheduling regular breaks from screens during the school day.
• Encouraging students to reflect on how technology impacts their mood and productivity.
• Integrating non-digital activities such as outdoor play, arts, and face-to-face collaboration.

6. Strengthening online safety measures: Districts must ensure robust cybersecurity protocols to protect student data and privacy. Partnering with trusted technology providers and conducting regular audits can minimize risks. Additionally, teaching students about phishing scams, password security and the importance of personal information confidentiality empowers them to stay safe online.

Role of leadership in digital well-being

District leaders set the tone for digital Well-being initiatives. By prioritizing this issue, superintendents, technology directors, and curriculum coordinators can:

• Advocate for balanced technology use: Leaders can promote a balanced approach that values digital and offline learning experiences.
• Allocate resources: Investing in tools and programs that support digital well-being, such as screen time management apps and professional development, demonstrates commitment.
• Monitor and evaluate: Regular assessments of digital well-being initiatives help identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes.
• Model healthy practices: Leaders who demonstrate mindful technology use inspire staff and students to follow suit.

Matching technology with need

One of the critical takeaways from events like FETC is the wealth of innovative resources shared by talented presenters. However, digital well-being is not just about learning new tools; it’s about thoughtfully matching ideas and tools with the specific needs of the task.

Using technology for technology’s sake often leads to inefficiency and frustration. By aligning the right tools with the right needs, districts can optimize learning experiences and ensure technology use remains purposeful and impactful.

Measuring success

Districts should establish clear metrics and regularly evaluate progress to ensure digital Well-being efforts are impactful. Metrics might include:

• Reduction in reported cyberbullying incidents.
• Improvements in student and staff satisfaction surveys regarding technology use.
• Increased participation in non-digital activities.
• Feedback from families on screen time management at home.

Data-driven insights enable districts to refine strategies and align initiatives with the evolving needs of their communities.

Future of digital well-being in schools

Digital well-being is a crucial aspect of modern education, as students interact with technology both inside and outside the classroom. Ensuring that this interaction is safe and productive requires a thoughtful approach to student data privacy and the responsible use of digital tools.

Amanda Cenerizio, the New Bedford Public Schools’ manager of information services, has extensive experience in this area, particularly with student data privacy and the use of educational apps. She emphasizes the importance of protecting students’ personal information while maximizing the benefits of technology.

As Amanda shares, “Ensuring that our student data is safeguarded fosters a sense of trust in our community. We employ strong encryption methods in our district while maintaining agreements with every digital tool we use, specifying how that tool stores and protects student information.”

I feel incredibly fortunate to have someone like Amanda as a valuable team member in New Bedford’s tech services, bringing her expertise and dedication to ensuring our students’ safety and success.

As technology advances, digital well-being will remain a critical focus for districts. Emerging trends such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and personalized learning tools offer exciting possibilities but require thoughtful integration to avoid pitfalls. By staying informed and adaptable, districts can ensure these innovations enhance rather than detract from well-being.

Collaboration across stakeholders—including educators, students, families, technology providers and policymakers—is essential. Together, they can build an ecosystem that prioritizes digital well-being while leveraging technology to achieve educational goals.

Digital well-being is more than a buzzword; it is a necessary framework for ensuring technology use in schools promotes learning and well-being. By adopting comprehensive strategies, districts can address challenges such as excessive screen time, cyberbullying and digital dependency. Leadership commitment, robust policies and community engagement are key to fostering a culture of healthy technology use.

School districts prioritizing digital well-being empower students to thrive academically and personally in an increasingly digital world. Through mindful practices and collaborative efforts, education systems can model the balanced and ethical use of technology, preparing students for academic success and lifelong well-being in the 21st century.

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In a recent decision, U.S. District Judge Robert Scola of Miami rejected the School Board of Broward County’s request for the case to be thrown out, giving a thumbs up to a March 10 trial.

The board has been sued by South Florida’s Timothy “Chaz” Stevens, the minister of what he calls “The Church of Satanology and Perpetual Soiree.”

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California Attorney General Rob Bonta offered immigrant students and their families new guidance as school districts in the state prepare for the possibility of tougher immigration policies.

“We’ve been here before. We’ve won. We’re ready to do it again,” said Bonta.

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