Screen Time in Schools: Policy, Research, and Reality (Part 1)

About this episode

This episode explores the policy landscape and research surrounding screen time in K–12 schools, featuring insights from education leaders and researchers.

Across the country, state leaders are considering legislation that could significantly change how technology is used in K–12 schools. From cell phone restrictions to broader screen time limits, policymakers are grappling with questions about student well-being, academic outcomes, digital access, and workforce readiness. In Part 1 of this two-part CoSN podcast series, we explore the policy landscape and research driving the national conversation around screen time in schools. Drawing from CoSN's webinar, Screen Time in Schools: A Policy Briefing for State Leaders , this episode examines emerging state legislation, the growing debate around instructional technology, and what current research tells us about technology's role in teaching and learning. Listeners will hear insights from education leaders and researchers as they discuss why not all screen time is the same, how instructional technology differs from social media and entertainment platforms, and why thoughtful policy decisions require a deeper understanding of how technology is actually being used in classrooms. Topics discussed include the rapid growth of state-level screen time legislation, the distinction between cell…

People in this episode

Guests: Keith R. Krueger, Ivo Popov

Topics covered

• screen time legislation
• instructional technology
• student well-being
• academic outcomes
• digital access
• workforce readiness

Keywords

• screen time
• K-12 education
• technology policy
• cell phone restrictions
• educational technology
• state legislation
• student outcomes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CoSN

Books & works: Screen Time in Schools: A Policy Briefing for State Leaders

More episodes of The CoSN Podcast

• Screen Time in Schools: Policy, Research, and Reality (Part 2) · June 9, 2026 · 16 min
• CETL® Basics and the Future of K-12 EdTech Leadership · May 26, 2026 · 12 min
• The CoSN Webinar Series: Perspectives on AI in K-12: Implications of New Global Research Webinar · May 19, 2026 · 1h 0m
• The CoSN Webinar Series: Unlocking the Value of Investment · May 12, 2026 · 56 min
• More Than a Conference: The Power of the CoSN Community · May 5, 2026 · 7 min
• The CoSN Webinar Series: Screen Time in Schools: Policy Briefing for State Leaders · April 28, 2026 · 1h 30m