Parents can't access Philly students' Chromebook browsing history

Philly school parents can't see their child's browsing history on district-issued Chromebooks, even though the district can access it in certain situations.

Why it matters: As schools increasingly rely on devices, more parents want visibility into how they're used — and who has access to that data.

State of play: The Philly district does not provide parents with students' browsing histories from school-issued Chromebooks, district spokesperson Monique Braxton tells Axios.

The district does, however, provide that data in some circumstances — including during emergencies, to resolve technical issues, and when requested by law enforcement.

"A student's web browsing history is not an educational record, and thereby parents are not entitled to their disclosure under [the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act]," Braxton says.

The big picture: School boards are facing growing backlash over classroom screen use across the region and the country.

A handful of states have put laws on the books limiting screen time in the classroom this year, with roughly 10 other states considering similar legislation.

Plus: The Los Angeles Unified School District recently adopted classroom screen-time bans and limits for students.

What they're saying: Braxton says the Philly district is not considering new limits on student screen time or Chromebook use.

Chromebooks have "been a valued part of public school education since the pandemic," Braxton says.

Context: The district provides every student with a Chromebook for classroom instruction.

It's up to each school to decide whether students can take the devices home.

And while Chromebooks are intended for educational purposes, students can browse the internet and watch YouTube videos.

Worth noting: District-issued Chromebooks have content filters that restrict certain videos and content, Braxton said.

The intrigue: Parents' ability to opt their child out of using district-issued Chromebooks remains an open question.

Braxton declined to respond to Axios' questions about that option, which emerged as an issue in nearby Lower Merion last month.

Generally, the district allows individual schools to craft their own protocols around the use of cellphones and wearable tech in district buildings.

Superintendent Tony Watlington has told Axios that a districtwide student cellphone ban inside school buildings isn't a priority.

✅ Poll: Take our poll below on whether you want Philly's educational leaders to scale back screen time in the classroom.