Oct 17, 2024
Julie Liddell is the founding attorney at the EdTech Law Center.
Schools have been overrun by technology companies seeking to harvest the valuable data of children and their families. The result is internet-connected school services that prioritize data collection over—and often at the expense of—children’s health, wellness, and learning.
Technology companies have used their vast resources to build a false narrative that this is the future of education and children need these technologies to thrive. But the evidence does not support the industry’s claims. Rather, a fast-growing body of independent, credible research is proving the opposite.
Families do not surrender their rights at the schoolhouse gate. And exposing children to online harms and data theft may not simply be the new cost of education. Parents must hold administrators to their public duty to educate children—and, above all, to keep them safe. At the end of the day, your child’s wellbeing begins and ends with you, no matter where they are.
What are the questions parents should ask their child's school about EdTech?
What apps/platforms will my child be using at and for school?
What is the research supporting the efficacy of those products? Is it industry-funded? Were non-tech alternatives considered?
What are the data practices of the school’s technology vendors? For example, what data do they collect about children and their families? What are all the ways in which it is used? Who has access to it? Can I review it? Can I delete it?
What is the school’s understanding of the potential dangers that internet-connected technologies pose to children?
Does the school stay informed of the latest research on the effects of digital technologies on children’s health, wellness, and learning?
What are the school’s policies and training around internet safety and security? Are they written anywhere? Is it just a “responsible use agreement” that puts the burden on students?
What internet safeguards does the school have in place? For example, how are students’ access and use of the internet controlled and/or monitored? How is content filtered? Is the school alerted when those efforts fail? Are parents notified?
What happens if my child is harmed online? What corrective measures will be taken?
If I agree to allow my child to use dangerous or data-extractive products, can I revoke my consent at any time?
What happens if a school says "you can't opt out":
Remind them that consent is opt in, not opt out.
You can refuse to opt in, and the school must honor that.
You have a right to refuse to allow your child to use dangerous, exploitative products.
Your child has a right to a safe school environment.
You and your child have a right to privacy.
Your child has a right to an education—and a duty to receive one. That includes provision of education services that are safe and secure.
You don’t have to choose between these rights. You may withhold your consent without forgoing your child’s right to an education.
Insist on having these conversations with your school administrators (not just teachers, as they’re typically disempowered to act). If they refuse to respect your or your child’s rights—and especially if they retaliate in any way—take legal action to protect yourselves.
No one cares about your child’s safety more than you. EdTech Law Center can help fight to keep them safe from predatory companies and, when necessary, indifferent school administrators.
If enough people take action, we’ll eventually get the education products and services our kids deserve.
If you have any questions, concerns, or stories to share with Julie about your child’s experience with school-based technology, tools, or platforms, please feel free to contact her at julie.liddell@edtech.law. She does not charge for her services and wants to support parents in resisting the EdTech onslaught.