The Backlash Against Digital Tools in Schools
For years, debates over classroom screen time focused primarily on personal smartphones. But a growing contingent of parents and educators is now turning its attention to school-issued devices and the software that powers them. The result? A wave of legislative proposals targeting how educational technology is vetted before reaching students.
As we explore below, concerns that began with banning cellphones have quickly evolved into questions about whether district-provided laptops and apps are truly safe, effective, and legal. This shift has put the edtech vetting process—long handled internally by schools or vendor claims—under unprecedented scrutiny.
From Phones to Chromebooks: The Expanding Screen Time Worry
Cellphone bans in classrooms have gained traction across the United States, but experts warn that the problem isn't simply about the device itself. Kim Whitman, co-lead of Smartphone Free Childhood US, noted in a previous interview with EdSurge that even without cellphones, students often use school-issued Chromebooks to message friends via tools like Google Docs. There are definitely issues with school-issued devices as well,
she said, highlighting that the distraction and privacy risks move seamlessly from personal gadgets to school hardware.
This realization has spurred a new wave of advocacy. Instead of targeting only personal cellphones, groups now demand rigorous oversight of all digital tools used in schools. The challenge, Whitman argues, is that districts often rely on vendors to self-report safety and efficacy. There is nobody right now that is confirming these products are safe, effective and legal,
she explained. It should not fall on the district's IT director; it would be impossible for them to do it. And the companies should not be tasked with doing it—that would be like nicotine companies vetting their own cigarettes.
Three States Take Action: Legislative Proposals for Edtech Vetting
In early 2025, lawmakers in Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont introduced bills that aim to overhaul how educational software is evaluated. While each state's approach differs slightly, shared goals include:
- Establishing independent certification standards for student-facing edtech products.
- Requiring vendors to register annually with the state and disclose terms of service and privacy policies.
- Creating review processes that go beyond vendor-provided data.
These proposals come in response to the patchwork system currently in place, where school boards and IT staff often select software based on vendor claims alone. The new legislation seeks to create a consistent, state-led review that prioritizes student safety and educational value.
Vermont's Certification Bill: A Closer Look
Among the three states, Vermont's bill (An act relating to educational technology products) has advanced the furthest. As of late March, it passed the House and now sits before the Senate Committee on Education. Its key provisions include:
- Annual registration for providers of educational technology products—specifically those used directly by students for teaching and learning.
- A $100 registration fee and requirement to submit the latest terms, conditions, and privacy policies.
- A certification standard developed by the Secretary of State, in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Education, to evaluate products before schools can use them.
The certification criteria are notably comprehensive, covering:
- Compliance with state curriculum standards.
- Advantages of using the product versus non-digital methods.
- Whether the product was explicitly designed for educational purposes.
- Design features such as artificial intelligence, geotracking, and targeted advertising.
Enforcement: From Fines to a Softer Approach
The initial draft of Vermont's bill included steep penalties—$50 per day up to $10,000—for providers that continued operating without state certification. However, that language was removed in the final House version. The current bill instead emphasizes compliance through the registration and certification process, without automatic fines. It remains to be seen whether the Senate will reintroduce penalties or adopt an alternative enforcement mechanism.
What This Means for Schools and Vendors
If passed, Vermont's law could set a precedent for other states. For schools, the shift means relying less on vendor claims and more on an independent stamp of approval. For edtech companies, it introduces new administrative burdens: annual registration fees, detailed submissions, and potential redesigns to meet certification standards—especially around features like AI and data tracking.
As the debate continues, the central question remains: who should ensure that classroom technology truly serves students? These bills propose that state governments take a more active role, but critics worry about bureaucracy and slowed innovation. Meanwhile, parents and teachers are watching closely, hoping that next year's school-issued laptop comes with a guarantee—not just of connectivity, but of safety and educational merit.
Looking Ahead
The screen time concerns that began with personal cellphones are now reshaping the entire landscape of educational technology. With three states actively revising their vetting processes, the edtech industry may soon face a new normal: independent oversight, transparent registration, and rigorous certification. Whether this becomes a national trend or remains a regional experiment, one thing is clear—the trust placed in school software is no longer automatic, and the push for accountability is only gaining momentum.