Leading Education Organizations Highlight Importance of Technology and Connectivity for Learning as Senate Committee Examines Impact of Technology on Youth

In Joint Letter, Groups Urge Policymakers to Distinguish Education Technology From Recreational Screen Time; Recognize Need for Appropriate Guardrails to Protect Kids

Washington, D.C. (January 15, 2026) — Ahead of today’s Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing on youth screen time, 17 national education technology, library and nonprofit organizations sent a joint letter to Chairman Ted Cruz and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell highlighting the importance of defining screen time and recognizing the beneficial role of education technology and connectivity in K-12 learning.

In the letter, the organizations underscored that when technology is intentionally designed, responsibly and safely implemented, and supported by robust connectivity, it is a powerful driver of teaching, learning and workforce readiness:

“When supported by reliable, high-capacity broadband, school technology enables educators to leverage the digital tools and rich content that teachers rely on to differentiate instruction, assess student understanding, and create opportunities for small-group and individualized learning opportunities. School technology also helps remove barriers to learning, enabling students with disabilities and students without home internet access to fully participate in modern learning environments. …

“School technology is also essential to preparing students for the workforce. Employers increasingly expect students to be fluent with digital collaboration tools, online research, data literacy, and artificial intelligence (AI). As the Trump Administration continues to champion AI readiness as a national priority, schools serve as a key pipeline for helping students acquire the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce. Pulling back on educational technology would leave students less prepared for both today’s and tomorrow’s demands.”

“…government [should support] adequate funding, professional development, and technical support to ensure schools continue to have the most effective filters and safeguards in place.”

Following the hearing, organizational leaders reinforced the importance of clearly defining “screen time” and recognizing the distinct, beneficial role that education technology and connectivity play in K-12 learning.

“We appreciate the Committee’s attention to the important issue of youth screen time,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “It is critical to recognize that ‘screen time’ is not a single category. Educational screen use — aligned to curriculum, guided by educators and supported by privacy and security policies — is fundamentally different from unsupervised or recreational online activity. When these categories are conflated, we lose the nuance required for good policymaking, including a clear understanding of how education technology advances K-12 learning and prepares students to succeed after graduation.”

“AASA has long believed in the power of technology to expand opportunity for students. From the early days of E-Rate to today’s conversations about AI, we know that access and connectivity are essential to preparing students for the workforce and the future,” said David Schuler, Executive Director of AASA. “We support strong guardrails to protect students and their data — but we shouldn’t turn back the clock on learning. The focus should be on smart protections and smart investments that help schools move forward.”

“The American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) believes in the power of technology to transform teaching and learning while remaining clear-eyed about the need to protect students from inappropriate content and other dangers online,” said Mark Cannizzaro, President of AFSA. “With good jobs so dependent on the acquisition of technology skills and knowledge, though, our nation cannot afford to remove technology from the classroom and prevent our students from being prepared for future success. Let’s be thoughtful about how technology is used in education and not take drastic steps that puts our students and America at a disadvantage.”

“Technology isn’t optional in today’s learning environments — it’s essential, and so is the internet,” said Sam Helmick, President of the American Library Association. “For 30 years, the federal E-Rate program has kept students, educators and library patrons connected. Internet access isn’t equivalent to screen time any more than roads are the same as traffic. When shaping tech policy for schools, lawmakers should listen to those who know it best: educators and librarians who’ve navigated every wave of innovation — from desktop computers to AI — on the front lines.”

“Today, Catholic school classrooms reflect the practices and lessons learned during the shift to virtual instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The learning environment is more student centered, inquiry based and adaptive. It requires access to digital learning both in classrooms and at home to continue responsible use of technology and build on the successful engagement that students and teachers have come to expect,” said Dale McDonald, PBVM, PhD, Vice President of Public Policy at the National Catholic Educational Association.

“As educators work tirelessly to prepare their students for the future, education technology has significant value in the classroom. It is critical that our public school students, no matter their race, place or background, have equitable access to technology and can reap its many benefits. We see every day how important high-speed internet and modern tools are in opening minds and inspiring our students,” said Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association. As artificial intelligence tools enter the classroom, we also see AI’s potential to strengthen learning and teaching when it is human-centered, guided by education professionals and regulated responsibly with student safety and privacy at the forefront. That is why Congress must continue supporting the programs that help connect our schools, equip educators, and provide the technology and professional learning opportunities students and educators need.”

“While SHLB supports efforts to protect children from harms that result from social media and personal mobile phone use, connectivity in schools remains essential for a multitude of reasons that help children and teachers alike, including education, building operations, security and communications with parents,” said Joey Wender, Executive Director of Schools Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition. “As lawmakers continue to grapple with both the positive and negative impacts of technology on children, we encourage policymakers to distinguish personal, entertainment-driven technology and devices from the monitored and intentional use of digital tools in schools and libraries. For nearly 30 years, E-Rate has helped schools and libraries acquire the broadband services that give students and library patrons the tools they need to learn and flourish.”

The following organizations signed the joint letter to Chairman Cruz and Ranking Member Cantwell and expressed their commitment to continued engagement with the Committee on these important issues:

AASA, The School Superintendents Association; AESA, Association of Education Service Agencies; American Federation of School Administrators; American Federation of Teachers (AFT); American Library Association (ALA); Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO); Benton Foundation; CoSN – The Consortium for School Networking; Consortium of State School Boards Association (COSSBA); National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP); National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS); National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS); National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); National Catholic Educational Association; National Education Association (NEA); SETDA (State Educational Technology Directors Association); Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB)

 

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About CoSN

CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. www.cosn.org

Media Contact: Makenzie Carlin mcarlin@fratelli.com