Have You Opted Your Child Out of Classroom Technology? The Seattle Times Wants to Hear From You
By Claire Bryan, Seattle Times education reporter
Published September 25, 2025
In today’s education landscape, technology has become nearly impossible to avoid. From digital curricula and standardized tests conducted only online, to AI tutors and even digital hall passes, students across the country—and here in Washington state—are increasingly required to engage with screens as part of their daily learning experience.
But what if you prefer your child to learn without these digital distractions? Is it possible to opt out of classroom technology altogether?
School Districts Vary in Their Approach
The reality is, policies differ widely by district. While some school districts in Washington are willing to accommodate students whose families request a technology-free learning environment, others firmly require the use of laptops, tablets, and internet platforms as integral tools for instruction and assessment. Many districts may allow opting out of certain online activities, but a full exemption from technology use is often challenging or outright unavailable.
District officials commonly emphasize that complete avoidance of screen-based learning may not be feasible given the modern educational standards and requirements.
The Seattle Times Wants Your Story
Are you a parent or guardian who has opted your child out of using classroom technology? Perhaps you have advocated for more in-person and paper-based learning methods. The Seattle Times Education Lab is interested in hearing about your experiences:
- How did you approach your child’s school or district with this request?
- What accommodations, if any, were made?
- Did you encounter obstacles or support from educators and administrators?
- If you have not yet tried to opt your child out but are interested, what questions or concerns do you have?
Your insights will help illuminate the realities families face as technology increasingly permeates every facet of education.
Share Your Experience
You can share your story or interest by filling out the Seattle Times’ secure online form at: st.news/optingout.
Alternatively, you may reach out directly to Claire Bryan, K-12 reporter focused on Seattle Public Schools, at 206-464-8946 or via email at cbryan@seattletimes.com.
About Education Lab
Education Lab is a Seattle Times initiative dedicated to highlighting promising solutions to ongoing challenges in public education. Supported by grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Ballmer Group, and sponsored fiscally by the Seattle Foundation, Education Lab provides in-depth coverage on a variety of educational topics.
As classrooms embrace digital tools more than ever before, how families navigate these changes is an important conversation. If your child’s learning experience includes opting out of technology, The Seattle Times wants to learn from you and share your perspective with the community.
For the latest education stories and more, visit The Seattle Times Education Lab.
