Push to Limit Technology Use for Young Students

June 1, 2026 - 21:55

As educators and parents grow increasingly uneasy about the role of digital devices in schools, a new push is underway to limit technology use for young students. The debate centers on whether smartphones, tablets, and AI tools are helping or hindering learning in the classroom.

Fox 29's Alex Holley and Mike Jerrick recently spoke with Alex Becker of PA Unplugged, a group advocating for reduced screen time in education, and high school student Jaquin Imaizumi about the growing concerns. Becker argued that constant access to devices is fragmenting student attention and undermining basic skills like handwriting and face-to-face conversation. He pointed to research showing that even the presence of a phone can lower cognitive performance, regardless of whether it is being used.

Imaizumi, a student who has experienced both heavy tech use and more traditional methods, offered a nuanced view. He acknowledged that digital tools can be useful for research and organization, but admitted that social media and notifications often pull focus during lessons. He said many of his peers feel distracted but struggle to disconnect.

The conversation comes as school districts across the country reconsider their tech policies. Some have banned phones entirely during the school day, while others are experimenting with AI tutors and digital assignments. The challenge, experts say, is finding a balance that prepares students for a tech-driven world without sacrificing deep learning and human connection.