McPherson Middle School in Kansas has dramatically reversed its Chromebook policy, pulling devices from students after complaints they became major distractions. Principal Inge Esping, 2025 Kansas middle school principal of the year, banned student cell phones years ago, but digital diversions persisted. Children used school Chromebooks to watch YouTube, play games, and even cyberbully peers.

In December, the school of 480 students returned all laptops to carts, restricting use to teacher-assigned activities. This shift reflects a growing global tech backlash in education, fueled by studies showing digital tools haven't improved academic results and warnings from UNESCO about distraction. Google and Microsoft, facing billions in school spending, now compete fiercely with AI chatbots, but schools like McPherson are pushing back.