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

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.

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 (

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.

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

https://www.ntia.gov/events-and-meetings/ntia-listening-session-fccs-e-rate-and-screen-use-nprm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Please direct questions regarding this notice to

kids@ntia.gov,

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

press@ntia.gov.

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

https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/docket-detail/26-133.

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

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

kids@ntia.gov

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,

https://www.ntia.gov,

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