The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will hold a virtual listening session on September 15, 2026, to gather public input on student screen use in schools and its relationship to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) E-Rate program. E-Rate provides schools and libraries with discounted internet connectivity services, and the FCC is currently examining whether the program continues to serve children’s long-term educational interests. Through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the FCC is seeking feedback on whether E-Rate may be contributing to excessive screen-based instruction in K-12 education and whether changes are needed to better support child development and academic outcomes.
The listening session will give parents, students, educators, and child development specialists an opportunity to share their perspectives directly with NTIA. Feedback gathered during the event may be submitted to the FCC for consideration as part of the formal record. The session will take place virtually from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EDT on September 15, 2026, and will be open to both the public and the press for observation. You can register here.
