Why some schools are cutting back on the technology they spent billions on
School districts in the U.S. spent between $15 billion and $35 billion on technology during the pandemic, but some states are now restricting in-school screen time due to concerns about attention spans and academic performance. At least a dozen states have introduced policies limiting device use, with some banning screens for young children entirely, while lawsuits target tech companies over data privacy and addictive design practices.
School districts across the U.S. invested $15 billion to $35 billion in technology between 2020 and 2024, using federal pandemic relief funds to provide laptops, tablets, and learning software to students. By the 2023-2024 school year, 88% of public schools reported issuing devices to every child, according to federal survey data. However, growing backlash from parents and educators has led some states to reconsider excessive screen time. At least 12 states have introduced or adopted policies this year, including screen time limits, opt-out options for virtual instruction, and outright bans on devices for younger students. For example, Utah’s state school board will prohibit screens for kindergarten through third-graders in most subjects, while Iowa caps digital instruction at 60 minutes per day for elementary schools. The pushback reflects broader concerns about technology’s role in education, including health risks and privacy violations. UNESCO, UNICEF, and the International Telecommunication Union warned in 2024 that digital learning can treat students as consumers and expose them to safety hazards. Meanwhile, Curriculum Associates, a major ed-tech provider, faces a lawsuit alleging it unlawfully collects and shares student data without consent, though the company denies wrongdoing. Critics argue that tech companies have exploited schools by marketing devices and apps as academic tools while prioritizing engagement over learning. Missouri state Rep. Tricia Byrnes called ed-tech ‘big tech in a sweater vest,’ blaming it for stagnant test scores. Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s second-largest system, recently passed a resolution to limit screen time for older students and ban devices for first-graders, restricting access to YouTube and gaming sites. The shift highlights a national debate over balancing technology’s benefits with potential harms, particularly for young learners.
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