Amid Screen Time Fears, States Move to Strengthen Oversight of Educational Software
Introduction: The Growing Scrutiny of Classroom Technology
As concerns over children's screen time intensify, a new focus has emerged: the vetting process for educational technology (edtech) used in schools. While much of the debate has centered on banning cellphones from classrooms, district-issued devices such as laptops and the software that runs on them have largely escaped criticism—until now. Parents and educators argue that these tools can pose similar distractions and privacy risks. Kim Whitman, co-lead of Smartphone Free Childhood US, noted in a previous interview with EdSurge that even without cellphones, students can message friends on Chromebooks or through collaborative tools like Google Docs. "There are definitely issues with school-issued devices as well," she said.
In response, three states—Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont—have introduced legislation this year to overhaul how educational software is vetted. The proposals aim to ensure that products used in classrooms are safe, effective, and compliant with privacy laws.
The Concerns Behind the Push for Vetting Reform
Currently, school districts typically rely on manufacturers' own claims to assess the safety and educational value of software. IT directors, school boards, and administrators select vendors with little independent verification. Whitman criticized this practice, saying, "There is nobody right now that is confirming these products are safe, effective and legal." She added that the burden should not fall on individual IT directors, nor should companies be left to self-regulate—a situation she likened to "nicotine companies vetting their own cigarettes."
The rise of AI features, geotracking, and targeted advertising in educational apps has amplified these worries. Parents and teachers increasingly demand that third parties—not vendors—validate product claims, ensure data protection, and confirm alignment with curriculum standards.
Legislative Proposals in Three States
Rhode Island
While details of Rhode Island's proposal are still emerging, it joins the push for a standardized vetting process, mirroring the broader trend of requiring state-level oversight before schools can adopt edtech tools.
Utah
Similarly, Utah has introduced a bill aimed at reviewing the approval process for educational software, though specific provisions have not been fully outlined. The common thread among all three states is a desire for accountability and transparency in how edtech products enter classrooms.
Vermont's Comprehensive Approach
Vermont's bill—titled An act relating to educational technology products—has advanced furthest. Passed by the House on March 27, it is now before the Senate Committee on Education. Key elements include:
- Annual registration: Providers of student-facing educational technology products must register with the Secretary of State every year.
- Certification standard: The Secretary of State, in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Education, will create a certification process that products must pass before schools can use them.
- Registration fee: A $100 fee per provider, along with submission of the most recent terms and conditions and privacy policy.
- Review criteria: The certification will evaluate:
- Compliance with state curriculum standards
- Advantages of using the digital product over non-digital methods
- Whether the product was specifically designed for educational purposes
- Design features such as artificial intelligence, geotracking, and targeted advertising
- Penalties removed: An earlier version of the bill imposed fines of $50 per day (up to $10,000) for uncertified providers operating in schools, but that language was struck from the final House-passed version.
What Effective Vetting Requires
Whitman and other advocates argue that state-level certification is only a first step. To be effective, the process must be independent, rigorously enforced, and transparent to parents. It should also account for evolving technologies like AI and ensure that student data is never sold or used for non-educational purposes. The Vermont bill’s inclusion of design feature review sets a precedent that other states may follow.
Looking Ahead: A Shift in Edtech Accountability
If Vermont's bill becomes law, it could serve as a model for other states grappling with screen time concerns and edtech oversight. The push for independent vetting reflects a broader shift: parents and educators no longer accept vendor self-certification as sufficient. As Whitman put it, "When schools issue devices, they inherit the same problems that personal devices bring—but they also have a responsibility to ensure the software is safe." The proposed legislation in Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont signals that lawmakers are beginning to listen.