Dear [name of relevant school contact],
[I/we] would like please to request that my child, XXXX [insert your child’s name and class], be opted out of the 1:1 device initiative.
[I/We] have made this decision in light of the fact that there is very little evidence that student-facing educational technology and 1:1 device use results in better learning or academic results. It is [my/our] understanding that there is virtually no evidence that these devices will improve learning or produce better attainment outcomes for children.
There is, however, plentiful evidence of the many negative impacts of digital device use and reliance on edtech for children’s attention, absorption, emotional self-regulation, eye sight, posture, sleep, and consequently for attainment. Greater use of these devices and greater reliance on technology for carrying out schoolwork and homework also inevitably increases the likelihood of pupils being exposed to inappropriate online content, cyberbullying, grooming, predation, and as parents we can assure you the presence of these devices will have negative impacts on our home life.
[I/We] absolutely want to nurture and support [my/our] child’s educational, social and emotional development as much as possible and it is for exactly that reason that [I am/we are] concerned by the intrusion of devices and technology into the classroom, and inevitably therefore also our home. [I/We] understand that the school has a legal duty to provide pupils with a state-approved educational content and curriculum, but schools also have legal duties to ensure that the methods by which that education is delivered are safe, effective, lawful and free from unnecessary health risks. I understand that the DfE and local authorities in particular are obliged by statute to ensure that, wherever possible, parental preferences are taken into account.
Safety, effectiveness and the absence of health risks has not in any sense been established for children using these devices, and as parents our first duty is to protect our children. With this in mind and after careful consideration, [I/we] would like to opt [my/our] child out of the 1:1 device scheme. Please could you therefore not issue XXXX [insert your child’s full name] with a personal device and could you please ensure that classwork, homework, and other learning materials are made available in a format that allows [him/her] to participate fully in schoolwork and homework without needing to use a personal device.
Please could you kindly confirm receipt of this letter and acknowledge this request to opt out of the 1:1 device scheme?
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]