Canon-McMillan School District Bans Chromebooks for Youngest Students Next Year

The Canon-McMillan School District will stop giving Chromebooks to its youngest pupils next year. The decision affects students from kindergarten through second grade. Educators believe excessive screen time has harmed children’s learning and behaviour. The change follows years of reducing technology use in primary schools. District leaders say the shift will help improve literacy, focus, and social skills. A 2025 national survey by Lexia linked remote learning during the pandemic to weaker kindergarten readiness.

Superintendent Greg Taranto stated the district aims to be the first in the region to take this step. Assistant Superintendent Mark Abbondanza agreed that students rely too heavily on devices. The new policy will eventually remove all screen time for children in grades K-6.

Parents like Casey Cromwell support the move. Her son Grayson, starting first grade at Muse Elementary, becomes more irritable after long screen sessions. Cromwell praised the district for putting children’s well-being first. The policy takes effect at the start of the next school year. Teachers will instead focus on traditional learning methods for younger students. The district hopes this will strengthen foundational skills lost during the pandemic.