YCSD announces major change to student device policy, spurring concerns among some parents

YORK COUNTY- York County School Division (YCSD) students will only be able to use division-issued devices in the classroom during the 2026-2027 school year, according to an announcement made by the division on Aug. 17.

While students were previously able to bring their own devices to school, that program was eliminated per a decision made in May.

“This change builds on the division’s successful use of student devices since 2020 and reflects valuable teacher feedback and ongoing conversations with families,” YCSD shared in a Facebook post. “By standardizing devices across the division, schools can maintain consistent expectations for student use, reduce instructional distractions, and provide clearer support that maintains the focus on learning.”

Under the new policy, school-provided laptops will be treated like textbooks. Families were previously able to pay a small fee to access insurance protection for the devices but will no longer have that option this year.

Many parents commented that they were concerned about the policy change, saying they did not want to pay for repairs for a device their child does not own but is required to use.

“I don’t like this. We bought a good laptop for our son to use,” one parent said in the comments. “The better option is getting our kids off of laptops for their school work.”

Per an update posted on YCSD’s website, families will not be charged for wear and tear to division-issued devices but will be responsible for repairs caused by “intentional or neglectful damage as well as replacement costs for lost devices.”