Episode Description
Across the country, state leaders are considering legislation to limit or ban screen time in K–12 schools. These proposals raise complex questions about student well-being, academic outcomes, digital access, and workforce readiness-issues that have significant implications for the future of teaching and learning.
To support thoughtful policymaking and inform this rapidly evolving public discussion, CoSN, Digital Promise, FullScale, and SETDA are convening a national policy briefing designed specifically for state education agency leaders and policymakers–creating space for informed discussion grounded in research, policy, and the operational realities of state education systems.
At a moment when policymakers across the country are debating the role of technology in classrooms, this briefing will provide state leaders with balanced, research-informed perspectives to help guide thoughtful policy decisions.
Access the non-slide recording here.
Referenced Links:
- CoSN: Screen Time Resource Center – Access the policy briefs and research summaries discussed in the April 7 briefing.
- Digital Promise: The Digital Learning Gap – Research on how to ensure technology use promotes equity rather than widening the divide.
- SETDA: State EdTech Trends 2026 – A summary of current legislative trends regarding device bans and screen time caps.
- Whiteboard Advisors: Youth Tech Policy Track – The policy firm providing real-time tracking of screen-time legislation.
Participants:
Keith R. Krueger, CEO CoSN
Evo Popoff, SVP at Whiteboard Advisors
Beth Holland, Managing Director, Research Policy at FullScale
Stacy Hawthorne, CoSN Chair
Jeremy Rochelle, Co-Executive Director at Learning Sciences Research
Sydnee Dickson, Former Utah Superintendent
Julia Fallon, Executive Director at SETDA
Michelle Soriano, Professional Learning and Implementation Specialist at CAST
Cooper Sved, elementary educator, education policy analyst, and 2025 CoSN Blaschki Fellow
Alyssa Moore, Delaware Department of Education
Key Talking Points
Not all screen time is the same; policy must reflect different uses and impacts
Instructional technology plays a critical role in learning, accessibility, and future readiness
Broad restrictions may create unintended consequences for teaching and learning
Schools must build trust through transparency and communication
The goal is balance and intentional use, not elimination
Call to Action
Watch the recording
Share with policymakers and district leaders
Explore the full CoSN policy briefing
Assets:
CoSN Webinar Screen Time in Schools: Policy Briefing for State Leaders
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For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please visit: https://www.cosn.org/
Produced in partnership with edCircuit.