Dear Members of the Xi’an Liangjiatan International School (XLIS) Community,
As the 2026-2027 academic year draws to a successful close, all teaching and learning activities are moving forward smoothly. We have just completed this year’s MAP assessments, and it has been truly gratifying to see the progress and growth our students have made across all subject areas. The MAP results not only provide us with valuable instructional feedback but also reaffirm that a focused and engaged learning environment is essential for academic success.
At the end of each school year, the school leadership systematically reviews all school policies in order to make necessary improvements and adjustments before the new academic year begins. This year, one of our key areas of focus is to further clarify and refine our rules on electronic device management, building upon our existing information technology policy.
Globally, the issue of children and adolescents being exposed to electronic devices too early and using them excessively has become increasingly serious. Research shows that high-intensity screen use may not only slow reaction times, reduce attention span, and weaken memory – it can also negatively affect healthy brain development. At the same time, prolonged screen time is closely linked to a higher risk of emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression in young people, and the risk rises significantly once a certain threshold of usage is exceeded. Increased screen time among children may also exacerbate behavioral problems, including aggression and attention difficulties, further impacting their social and emotional development. This is not only a consensus within the education community but also strongly supported by a large body of evidence from the medical field and research institutions.
Facing this shared challenge, schools and educators cannot act alone. Healthy management of electronic devices requires the joint efforts of the school and families. On campus, we have observed some students overusing their devices – on school buses, before official morning classes, after school, and even during school activities. Screens are taking up time that should be spent on peer interaction, focused learning, and outdoor play. At the same time, we recognize that even in daily instruction, we need to set appropriate limits on screen use to prevent students from having their eyes on screens all day, which can affect their vision and overall well-being.
With this in mind, I have conducted research into our current management practices and policy framework together with my assistant, Ms. Lu Liu. We have also had in-depth discussions with the academic leadership team, taking into account the actual instructional needs of each division, and have listened to the views of some parent representatives. Based on this work, we have drafted the initial version of our Electronic Device Management Policy.
This draft will be formally shared with the PTA for their approval soon. Before that, we also welcome feedback and suggestions from all community members through your class parent representatives. We will further refine the document based on community feedback, and plan to officially release and implement the policy this August. This policy will become one of our key priorities for the coming academic year.
Attached to this letter is the draft of the XLIS Student Electronic Devices and Information Technology Usage Policy for your review. Every thoughtful suggestion you offer will help us improve this document together. The deadline for feedback is June 5, 2026. Please send your comments directly to my assistant, Ms. Lu Liu, at lu.liu@xalis.com.
Let us work together – school and home – to protect the health and growth of our children. I look forward to hearing your valuable voice.
Warmly,
Lily Liu
Head of XLIS
Email: lily.liu@xalis.com
