Opinions and Responses

Regarding Tablets for Elementary School Children

I am a Parent or Guardian of a first-grade elementary school child.
Currently, my child brings home the tablet used at school every day in their backpack, but when combined with textbooks, notebooks, pencil cases, water bottles, and so on, the backpack becomes quite heavy.
My first-grade child sometimes says, "It's so heavy I feel like I might fall backward," and I am a little concerned about the physical burden during daily commuting to and from school.
I feel that learning using tablets itself is very convenient and necessary, and I am not opposed to the use of tablets.
However, especially for lower-grade students, would it be possible to reduce the occasions for carrying them by only bringing them home when necessary for use at home, and otherwise keeping them at school?
Of course, we understand that there are various reasons for the current operation, such as home study and charging.
Although this is an opinion from one Parent or Guardian, we would appreciate it if you could reconsider the policy regarding the taking home of tablets by lower-grade students, including the physical burden and safety of the children.

Response

In our city, each student is provided with a tablet device, and by utilizing LTE connections, we have established an environment where learning activities can be conducted not only within the school but also at home and elsewhere. Additionally, these tablets are used as a means of communication within each class and to ensure learning opportunities during class closures or temporary school closures caused by infectious diseases. For these reasons, the tablets are not kept at school at all times but are taken home and used for learning purposes.
Upon confirming with the Board of Education, it has been stated that tablets are basically to be taken home, and schools are instructed to provide appropriate consideration according to the child’s stage of growth. Additionally, each school encourages students to leave items not used for home study at school so that their school bags do not become too heavy. Schools will also coordinate with families in their response, so if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to consult directly with the school.

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