Cambridge Schools Ban Smart Glasses and Other Wearable Recording Devices

Cambridge Public Schools banned the use of smart glasses across the district — prohibiting students from carrying them on all school property as district officials move to regulate emerging technology before it becomes a classroom issue.

The measure, unanimously passed by the Cambridge School Committee earlier this month, expands restrictions already in place at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, now banning the technology from the district’s elementary and upper schools.

Under the new rule, students are prohibited from carrying smart glasses or similar wearable technology. The rule also bans secret or unauthorized recording for anyone on school property — in keeping with state law, which prohibits recording without consent from all parties.

The order was sponsored by School Committee members Arjun K. Jaikumar, Luisa de Paula Santos, and Vice Chair Caitlin E. Dube ’05. They warned that wearable devices could enable students to record others without their consent or access information during examinations and other academic work.

Smart glasses, including models sold by Meta, can capture photographs, video, and audio while resembling conventional eyewear. Some models also incorporate artificial intelligence and can privately deliver information to the wearer.

Jaikumar added that the policy extends beyond glasses to other wearable recording technology, potentially including concealed cameras. The policy allows the superintendent or a designee to grant exemptions, giving administrators flexibility as devices and their uses change.

De Paula Santos said that she supported the order, in part, because of concerns over data being collected and shared by private companies.

“I feel like, as a school district, we need to take a stand on what information is available to these companies, what information we’re making available to them, and how we’re engaging with them,” de Paula Santos said in an interview.

“The development of these technologies is way more rapid than we are at developing policy around it,” de Paula Santos said. “It’s our responsibility to protect the safety of kids and staff.”

The prohibition took effect following the committee’s vote, but the order does not specify how staff should identify prohibited devices or what consequences students could face. Enforcement of the rule will be left to school administrators, as the School Committee does not have oversight of day-to-day operations across the district.

While CPS has not yet reported any disciplinary matters related to the use of smart glasses, Jaikumar said the policy was intended to be precautionary as issues arise at high schools and universities across the country.

Jaikumar said school districts generally face three areas of concern when considering new technology: distraction, academic integrity, and “surreptitious recording.” He viewed recording as the most immediate concern posed by smart glasses, but said their potential use for academic dishonesty may rise in popularity if left unrestricted.

“This is an area where we actually have a chance to start thinking about policies, to put a marker down, and then adjust based on what we learn as time passes before there’s problematic use in our schools,” Jaikumar said.

Jaikumar said there is no set deadline for the administration to report back specifically on wearable technology. He asked district officials to inform the committee if violations arise or if teachers identify legitimate academic uses that could be unintentionally restricted by a blanket rule.

CPS spokesperson Jaclyn Piques wrote in a statement that the district will “review, implement, and communicate about changes that impact students and staff as appropriate and necessary,” as the policy takes effect.

The order includes an exception for students who need wearable technology for a disability or medical reason and obtain written permission from the superintendent. De Paula Santos said the district should consider how technology restrictions affect students with disabilities, pointing to concerns raised during the rollout of CRLS’s other restrictions on technology this year.

The smart-glasses measure comes amid a broader crackdown on technology use across the district. For the current academic year, CPS has prohibited students from accessing cell phones during the school day, adopted screen-time guidance for each grade, and implemented grade-level restrictions for taking school-issued devices home.

CPS also generally prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence for students up to fifth grade and significantly restricts it in grades six through eight. High school students may use only district-approved AI applications when authorized by their teachers, according to guidance issued by Superintendent David Murphy earlier this month. The district plans to publish revised generative AI guidance in October.

In a Sept. 4 message to CPS families, Murphy wrote that technology should be used intentionally to enhance learning without replacing students’ relationships, physical activity, reading, writing, and creative work.

—Staff writer Tess E. Sumner can be reached at [email protected].