The Pasco County school district’s announcement recently that students would spend less class time gazing at technology sparked passionate responses ranging from applause to derision.
A growing group of parents are increasingly disillusioned with children struggling with basic skills as they scroll their screens and ask AI for answers. At the same time, others mocked the notion of being frightened by phones, noting that computers are part of life, like it or not.
With elections three weeks off, several school board candidates were quick to chime in on the subject on social media, seeking to distinguish themselves from the crowd of competitors.
District 3
The most varied reactions came in the five-person District 3 race to replace retiring board member Cynthia Armstrong.
Kirk Phillips, who has focused his campaign on the value of using artificial intelligence, argued that the district’s approach missed the point.
“I understand the concern about distraction, but that’s not how the modern world works,” Phillips wrote on Facebook. “Instead of teaching children to fear technology, we should teach them to use it responsibly, balance it with healthy habits, and prioritize good sleep.”
Erin Stroupe, who has three young children and works in a preschool, had more support for the district’s effort, calling it a “step in the right direction.”
“Especially for our young learners, we need to ensure they’re developing their fine motor skills and learning the skills necessary to be successful throughout their education moving forward,” Stroupe wrote on Facebook, adding that she looked forward to getting parents more involved in the discussion.
Sean O’Flannery, a veteran high school teacher, cheered the move, saying it mirrored his approach to classes — stressing basics and integrating technology as appropriate.
“My role as an educator is to ensure students develop essential skills like reading, comprehension, and writing. If students cannot write a basic sentence without spell checkers or similar tools, we should consider how best to prepare them for success in the future,” O’Flannery wrote on Facebook.
The two other candidates did not join the social media discussion. They did comment on the issue directly to the Tampa Bay Times, though.
Matt Geiger, a school administrator, called technology an important tool. But it should not replace effective teaching, he added: “The district should evaluate screen usage, prioritize age-appropriate practices, and encourage balanced instruction that includes hands-on learning, reading, collaboration, and physical activity.”
Mollyana Ward, a real estate agent and civic activist, said she feels strongly that the district should reduce “unnecessary screen dependence, especially in early grades.”
“Technology should support learning, not replace attention, handwriting, reading, discussion, memory, math, or teachers,” Ward said.
District 1
In the four-person District 1 race to replace retiring Al Hernandez, the candidates were more like-minded.
Gino Collura, a business consultant and former educator, said it’s critical that schools set boundaries and a “clear understanding that technology does not replace academic fundamental crucial to cognitive and emotional growth.”
Technology has a time and place as a tool, Collura said, noting the debate becomes more vital as AI gains a foothold and devices are not going anywhere.
Kimberly Coward, a lawyer and former guidance counselor, had similar thoughts.
“While it is impossible to eliminate screen time altogether, the District can and should work toward reaching that balance to ensure that screen time is not replacing or interfering with instruction, but instead, supporting it,” Coward said.
Christopher King, who works with children with his organization The Gentleman’s Course, agreed that “balance matters” and screens should enhance learning, not replace quality teaching.
“Students benefit from primarily face-to-face instruction, hands-on learning, physical activity, reading, and meaningful classroom engagement,” King said.
Brian Perras, a substitute teacher and blogger, also spoke of the importance of direct instruction and human interaction.
“The district should continually evaluate screen usage to ensure technology enhances learning while maintaining a healthy balance in the classroom,” Perras said.
District 5
The two candidates for District 5 representing Northwest Pasco differed slightly on the issue.
Incumbent Megan Harding, a former district teacher, welcomed the change as a way to give teachers more ability to be creative with their lessons. It frees them to focus on individual student needs through teaching without technology demands, Harding said during a workshop on the topic.
She also noted that many times elementary schools allow devices during indoor recess, and suggested the initiative should include support for other activities to replace that type of screen time.
“The goal should be balance and use of technology that enhances the students’ learning,” Harding told the Times.
Challenger Michelle Mandarin, a parent advocate, said she has long supported a return to the basics, including more paper-based teaching and learning. Technology cannot be a replacement for what has long worked well, she added.
“I’m glad to see more people recognizing what excessive screen time can do to developing minds,” she wrote on Facebook. “No matter how technology evolves, children still need to write, read, create, and think for themselves.”
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