NYC Council Considers Restricting Screen Time and Digital Devices in Public Schools
The New York City Council is holding a hearing to question the Department of Education (DOE) regarding the use of technology, including screen time and artificial intelligence (AI), in classrooms. Council members Shekar Krishnan and Eric Dinowitz are advocating for a reduction in screen time in city public schools, citing research that indicates increased screen time does not consistently lead to improved student achievement. They specifically aim to block students from unrestricted access to YouTube on school-issued devices like iPads. While teachers would still be able to show videos for lessons, the council members want the DOE to demonstrate a clear educational purpose for such usage. The City Council has released a 28-page briefing report reviewing years of research and audits, which supports their stance that more screen time and devices do not reliably enhance student learning. The discussion also extends to the use of one-to-one devices for younger students and the potential return to traditional p...
