NTIA Listening Session on Screen-Based Instruction in K-12 Schools

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will convene a virtual listening session on screen use in schools, as it relates to the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC's) E-Rate program. The FCC has initiated a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM), which includes a public comment period, to examine whether the E-Rate program is serving the long-term interests of children--or instead encouraging excessive screen-based instruction in K-12 schools at the expense of child development and academic outcomes (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/14/2026-16590/fcc- to-review-e-rate-program-to-ensure-congresss-vision). This session invites parents, students, educators, and child development specialists to provide input into the NPRM process.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 165 (Thursday, August 27, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 165 (Thursday, August 27, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55321-55322]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-17435]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration


NTIA Listening Session on Screen-Based Instruction in K-12 
Schools

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of open meeting.

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SUMMARY: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration 
(NTIA) will convene a virtual listening session on screen use in 
schools, as it relates to the Federal Communication Commission's 
(FCC's) E-Rate program. The FCC has initiated a Notice of Proposed Rule 
Making (NPRM), which includes a public comment period, to examine 
whether the E-Rate program is serving the long-term interests of 
children--or instead encouraging excessive screen-based instruction in 
K-12 schools at the expense of child development and academic outcomes 
(<a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/14/2026-16590/fcc-to-review-e-rate-program-to-ensure-congresss-vision">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/14/2026-16590/fcc-to-review-e-rate-program-to-ensure-congresss-vision</a>). This session 
invites parents, students, educators, and child development specialists 
to provide input into the NPRM process.

DATES: The listening session will be held on September 15, 2026, from 
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

ADDRESSES: The session will be held virtually, with more details and 
online dial-in information to be posted at <a href="https://www.ntia.gov/events-and-meetings/ntia-listening-session-fccs-e-rate-and-screen-use-nprm">https://www.ntia.gov/events-and-meetings/ntia-listening-session-fccs-e-rate-and-screen-use-nprm</a>.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please direct questions regarding this 
notice to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#513a383522113f2538307f363e27"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b2d9dbd6c1f2dcc6dbd39cd5ddc4">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>, indicating ``E-Rate Listening Session'' in the 
subject line, or if by mail, addressed to National Telecommunications 
and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 
Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: 202-941-0606. 
Please direct media inquiries to NTIA's Office of Public Affairs at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#215153445252614f5548400f464e57"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="addddfc8dedeedc3d9c4cc83cac2db">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Background and Authority: The National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration (NTIA) serves as the President's principal 
advisor on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA's 
programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband internet 
access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all 
users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the 
internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth. This 
includes examining how broadband access is used in different contexts, 
including in educational settings. Pursuant to our authorities under 47 
U.S.C. 902(b)(2)(M), NTIA will host a public listening session to 
gather stakeholder perspectives that will inform NTIA's ongoing 
research.
    NTIA seeks participant feedback on the effects of screen-based 
instruction in schools, including one-to-one device policies; existing 
mechanisms and obstacles for parents seeking to opt their children out 
of classroom technology use; the content, effectiveness, and 
enforcement of school internet safety policies under the Children's 
internet Protection Act (CIPA); the nature and effectiveness of 
internet filtering in schools; the extent to which parents and 
teachers--as opposed to vendors, consultants, and lobbyists--have a 
voice in E-Rate program decisions; other mechanisms used to protect 
children when using E-Rate funded networks; the appropriate role of 
parents, schools, the FCC, and other entities in protecting children 
online; and other comments related to the internet access and online 
services provided through E-Rate funded schools and libraries. NTIA may 
collect feedback received during the session from parents, students, 
educators, and child development specialists regarding use time in 
schools and submit it to the FCC for consideration as part of the NPRM 
record. Individuals who are unable to attend, or who do not have the 
opportunity to speak during the session, may respond directly to the 
FCC's NPRM at <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/docket-detail/26-133">https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/docket-detail/26-133</a>.
    Other Information: All parents, students, educators, and child 
development specialists are welcome to speak at the listening session, 
time permitting. For privacy reasons, commenters under age 18 are asked 
to keep their camera off and not share personally identifiable 
information. The

[[Page 55322]]

virtual meeting is open for observation by the public and the press. 
The virtual meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. 
Individuals requiring accommodations such as real-time captioning, sign 
language interpretation, or other ancillary aids should notify NTIA at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e982808d9aa9879d8088c78e869f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9bf0f2ffe8dbf5eff2fab5fcf4ed">[email&#160;protected]</span></a> at least seven (7) business days prior to the meeting. 
Access details for the meeting are subject to change. Please refer to 
NTIA's website, <a href="https://www.ntia.gov">https://www.ntia.gov</a>, for the most current information.

    Dated: August 24, 2026.
David Brodian,
Chief Counsel, National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2026-17435 Filed 8-26-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-P


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