House Education Committee Examines Screentime Use in Schools
On Tuesday, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce convened a subcommittee hearing titled “Screentime in Schools.” Lawmakers from both parties voiced concerns about the negative impact of smartphone use in educational settings.
Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychology professor at San Diego State University, testified that the widespread adoption of cell phones since 2012 has coincided with a sharp decline in student performance in science, math, and reading—both in the U.S. and globally. She cautioned that allowing phones in schools could lead to serious consequences, including increased feelings of loneliness, lower academic outcomes, reduced social interaction, more disciplinary issues, and declining teacher morale.
There was broad bipartisan support for policies that make exceptions for students with disabilities and allow for local flexibility. Subcommittee Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) emphasized the critical role technology plays for students with disabilities. Dr. Rich Nye, Special Advisor on Education to Utah Governor Spencer Cox, emphasized that Utah’s law permits device use when specified in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan or for medical purposes.
Several Democratic members criticized the Administration’s proposed budget cuts to the Institute for Education Sciences (IES), warning that such reductions would hinder research into how screen time affects students with disabilities.