SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — School-issued laptops would shut down at specific times each night under a new proposed policy by the Deptford Township School District.
The district plans to automatically shut off the computers every night at 8 p.m. for elementary schoolers, 9 p.m. for middle schoolers, and 10 p.m. for high schoolers, starting March 1. The Chromebooks would become inoperable until the next day.
Officials said the goal is to make sure the district isn’t enabling unhealthy behaviors and to ensure students are getting enough rest, but many students and parents are against the idea. Particularly, Deptford High School students said the automatic shutdown would not solve anything.
“It’s annoying because we have homework to do and they’re limiting it,” said a student.
“Honestly, we are going to be able to do our work either way on our phones or other laptops that we have at home, so it’s just like, why are you acting like we’re in fifth grade?” said another.
“I play soccer in the fall, so when I get home, how am I supposed to do my work if it’s super late?” asked one high schooler.
Deptford Mayor Paul Medany said concerned parents have been calling his office with questions he doesn’t have the answers to.
“The school district is a separate entity from us, but we’re all part of the same community,” he said. “We usually get phone calls concerning the school and we would like to disseminate the correct information, so we’re trying to learn about this policy decision ourselves.”
A meeting was held Tuesday on the proposed change. A press release from the superintendent said the district is gathering more information and will make equitable adjustments to the plan before implementation.
Deptford’s superintendent and school board members did not respond directly to KYW Newsradio’s requests for comment.