Closed petition: Pause and review the use of EdTech in schools and early years settings

Closed on 20 May 2026

Pause all pupil-facing 1:1 device and EdTech use in schools and early years settings—except for children with specific technology needs—unless and until reputable, independent assessments confirm both net educational benefit and no unacceptable safeguarding, health or wellbeing risks for children.

We feel that 1:1 devices and EdTech platforms have been rapidly adopted by schools despite virtually no evidence of net learning benefit. Reputable independent studies show device use can negatively impact academic attainment, particularly for disadvantaged children. Some 1:1 devices and platforms are linked to an increase in bullying, access to inappropriate content, safeguarding and data privacy issues and an array of negative physical, emotional and social health impacts.